ILL 



S.A.Drake 



Bunker Hill-. 



THE STORY TOLD m LETTERS FROM 
THE BATTLE FIELD 



BY BRITISE OFFICERS ENaAGED. 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND SKETCH OF THE BATTLE, 



BY 



SAMUEL ADAMS DRAKE, 

AUTHOR OF "old LANDMARKS OF BOSTON," "HISTORIC FIELDS AND MANSIONS 

OF MIDDLESEX," " NOOKS AND CORNERS OF THE 

NEW ENGLAND COAST," ETC. 



« r I 




BOSTON: 

NICHOLS AND HALL. 

1875. 



*El 



*^ 






Copyright. 
Samuel Adams Drake. 

1875. 



Cajnbridge : 
Press of John Wilson and Son. 



TO 

THE BRAVE MEN 

WHOSE VAI.OR, PATRIOTISM, AND DEVOTION 

HAVE RENDERED THE 

SACRIFICES OF THEIR FATHERS 
NOT UNAVAILING. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Introduction « 7 

The Battle 15 

11. The Shake of the 4th, or King's Own, Regiment 23 

III. Record of the 52d, Oxfordshire Light Infantry 25 

IV. Account op Adjutant Waller, Royal Marines . 28 
V. The Royal Marines at Bunker Hill ... 31 

VI. The Royal Artillery „ „ „ .... 35 

VII. Account of Captain Harris, op the 5th Foot . 37 

VIII. General Burgoyne's Letter to Lord Stanley . 39 
IX. Clarke's Narrative of the Battle fought on 

the 17th of June, 1775, &c 42 

X. Battle of Bunker Hill 60 

- XI. The Battle op Bunker Hill : a Poem .... 62 

XII. Organization op the ROyal Marines 74 



INTRODUCTION, 



"Borne over tbe Atlantic, to the closing ear of Louis, King by the 
grace of God, what sounds are these ; muffled, ominous, new in our 
centuries ? Boston Harbor is black with unexpected Tea ; behold a Penn- 
sylvanian Congress gather; and ere long, on Bunker Hill, Democracy an- 
nouncing, in rifle-volleys death-winged, under her Star Banner, to the tune 
of Yankee-doodle-doo, that she is born, and, whirlwind-like, will envelop 
the whole world ! " — Carlyle. 

THE story of the battle of Bunker Hill has been 
told until it has become more familiar to American 
readers than Marathon or Waterloo. No subsequent 
field of the War for Independence possesses an equal 
interest with this first and fiercest grapple for the mas- 
tery. The unparalleled audacity of the seizure of the 
heights of Charlestown, in the presence of a numerous 
and poAverful army and fleet ; the unflinching firmness 
with which the Americans awaited the attack ; the ter- 
rible loss inflicted on the enemy, unexampled on any 
later battle-field of the Revolution ; and, finally, the 
curious spectacle of undisciplined yeomanry, without a 
leader known and respected as such, contesting with 
a veteran army and experienced officers, are marked 
features that at once suggest themselves to the student 
of the battle, and have rendered it for all time a memor- 
able deed of arms. 

The achievement of a century since that day offers a 
fitting occasion for the publication of materials that have 



8" BUNKER HILL. 

hitherto skimbered in the archives of British, regiments 
engaged on the field of Bunker Hill, — so long remem-. 
bered for the carnage in their ranks, — the mournful 
theme of many a camp-fire during the war. These 
fragments that have hitherto escaped the research of 
historians of the battle, constitute the only apology the 
author has to offer for the appearance of his pages as a 
memorial of the Centennial Anniversary. The sketch 
of the battle itself will have fulfilled its purpose in re- 
freshinjr the recollections of the reader. Author and 
reader are now too far removed from the event to feel 
either lingering vindictiveness toward the enemy of a 
century ago, or to be influenced by local prejudices 
in awarding full honor where it is due. 

At the time of the battle Boston and Charlestown 
occupied two jutting peninsulas, widely separated at 
their junction with the mainland, but approaching at 
their extremities within less than half a mile of each 
other. The river Charles flows between them, while 
the Mystic separates Charlestown from the northern 
shores of Boston harbor. Both streams are navigable 
for large vessels a few miles up. The surface of both 
peninsulas is broken into hills of no great elevation, — 
those of Charlestown terminating the range approach- 
ing from the direction of Cambridge, which became the 
American line of investment after the battle. The 
topographical features of Boston and Charlestown have 
undergone important changes by the expansion incident 
to a great city, and have, in a measure, lost their penin- 
sular character. No vessel can now approach the an- 
chorage from which a British frigate once cannonaded 
Charlestown Neck with such destructive effect. The 
battle-ground of Breed's Hill is, with the exception of 
a small open space about the monument, on its summit, 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

compactly built upon ; still, at Charlestown, enough is 
remaining to give a clear idea of the battle. 

Mr. Froude, on his return to England, mentioned to 
an American friend, that when at Boston he had not 
been able to find any one who could tell him the origin 
of the name of " Bunker," applied to the ever-memor- 
able hill. It would be interesting to know the direc- 
tion of his research. The name is from George Bun- 
ker, an early land-owner in Charlestown ; that of Breed 
having a similar origin. 

Boston was commanded on the north and south by 
the heights of Charlestown and Dorchester peninsulas. 
The possession of either was sufficient to render it un- 
tenable.^ Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne, after 
their arrival in Boston, deemed it indispensable to oc- 
cupy both positions ; and in concert with General Gage, 
then commanding in chief, had actually planned the 
seizure of Dorchester Heights on the eighteenth of 
June, when they were anticipated by the appearance of 
rebel earthworks on the opposite side of the town. It 
"is credible that the Americans had early intelligence of 
the intention of the British general, and that the move- 
ment on Charlestown was a counter-stroke ; if so, it was 
well conceived, and, so far as depended on the provincial 
militia, was well executed. With the admission, under 
the hand of General Burgoyne, that Dorchester Heights 
were the weak point of the British position, it is in- 
conceivable that they should have remained for ten 
months afterwards unoccupied, or until Washington 
opened his batteries there in March, 1776. 

* Dorchester had the more important bearing to the British, as it com- 
manded the inner harbor, and of course covered their shipping; Charlestown 
was prefeired by the Americans, because more accessible from their centre 
at Cambridge. 

2 



10 BUNKER HILL. 

If the Americans really meant to offer battle with the 
hope of deciding the fate of Boston, — and on no other 
hypothesis can the movement on Charlestown be ex- 
plained, — it was an exhibition of singular hardihood. 
They had no officers capable of leading large bodies 
of troops. They had numbers and courage without 
discipline or mobility, although they were nominally in 
regiments and battalions. All their experience of actual 
service had been gained between the nineteenth of April 
and the seventeenth of June. As soon as dislodsjed 
from their first position on Breed's Hill, they were de- 
feated. Three times the English officers rallied their 
men under fire, and led them back to the assault. Had 
the provincials possessed such training, they would easily 
have won the day, by forming a second line on Bunker 
Hill : the numbers that moved uselessly about the field 
were probably more than enough to have decided the 
battle. 

The British remained masters of the ground, and justly 
claimed the victory. Measured by its results, it was the 
dearest bought and barrenest victory of the war, — 
perhaps of any war. The conquerors remained more 
closely besieged than before. Their losses forbade the 
execution of any movement to raise the blockade. 
Their situation was little improved by the fortification 
of Bunker Hill, and the joy of success was embittered 
by the reflection that it need not have cost a single life 
or a charge of gunpowder. 

The order to intrench on Bunker Hill was explicit ; 
yet, on arriving there, by the advice of Gridley, the en- 
gineer, and probably also of Putnam, Prescott moved 
on and broke ground at Breed's Hill, a little nearer 
Boston. It could have made little difference to the 
English general which hill was fortified. Either com- 



INTRODUCTION. 11 

manded Boston on the north and "west ; and the same 
reasons that impelled him to attack the one were 
equally strong with respect to the other. Bunker Hill 
was the higher of the eminences, but Breed's Hill was 
by far the best position. It had the town of Charlestown 
on its right, which might have been filled with troops, 
and where, in fact, an irregular defence was maintained, 
until it was burned by the enemy. On its slopes were the 
stone walls, rail-fences, and orchards, that were used to 
such terrible purpose. The ground between it and the 
British landing-place was obstructed by other fences, a 
morass, and brick-kilns. These natural obstacles were 
more formidable than the redoubt. They broke the 
British advance, and in and about the brick-kilns the^ ^, 
enemy's loss was particularly severe. The stone anc^^ ^ 
rail-fences, filled between with hay, proved the impregna,-»jj' p[J 
ble point of the American line. The British, after being^ ! *^ 
twice repulsed, and with horrible carnage of the choicest ^ e 3 
troops on the field, abandoned the eff'ort to carry it. It '\ *r^ 
was the last portion of their line held by the provincials, ^ ^^ 
and covered their retreat. ^-^^s 

The mistake of the day appears to have been the 
omission to throw up some defences on Bunker Hill. 
Putnam, who seems to have appreciated the importance 
of a supporting line to raw militia, exerted himself to 
little purpose for this end. The weak point of the 
American position was the narrow isthmus over which 
the troops marched in their advance to and retreat from 
the peninsula. It was owing to the exhaustion of the 
British general and army that it did not become the 
slaughter-pen of the field. The passage of this isthmus, 
under broadsides from the enemy's shipping, by provin- 
cials coming to reinforce their line, is perhaps the re- 
markable feature of this extraordinary battle. 



12 BUNKER HILL. 

Had the generalship on the American side equalled 
the individual courage, there can be little "doubt the 
history of Bunker Hill would have had a different read- 
ing. General Ward, after launching his offensive blow, 
seems to have lacked the energy and decision to follow 
it up with the last available man and musket. His blow 
was but half delivered. He professed, it is said, to be- 
lieve his own camp at Cambridge in danger ; and, after 
having invited a battle, fell back upon the defensive. 

The numbers on either side were about equal, and 
fluctuated during the day between two and three thou- 
sand men. Probably not more than fifteen hundred 
Americans manned the lines at any one .time during the 
engagement. There was much idle marching and coun- 
termarching, indecision, and some cowardice behind 
them ; yet the valor, endurance, and heroic constancy 
of that day have never been surpassed since arms were 
first borne by men. 

At the time of the battle, the British force in Boston 
consisted of the following regiments and parts of regi- 
ments, besides six companies of royal artillery and 
two battalions of marines ; the whole numbering, prob- 
ably, six thousand effective men. Some of these corps 
were the very elite of the army. These were the 4th, 
or Hodgson's (King's Own); 5th, Percy's ; 10th, Sand- 
ford's ; 18th, or Royal Irish (three companies); '2'2d, 
Gage's; 23d, Howe's (Welsh Fusileers) ; 35th, F. H. 
Campbell's ; 38th, Pigot's ; 43d, Gary's (Monmouth- 
shire Light Infantry) ; 47th, Carleton's ; 52d, Claver- 
ing's (Oxfordshire Light Infantry) ; 63d, Grant's ; 65th, 
Urmston's (two companies). The marching regiments 
for the American service consisted of twelve companies, 
and each company mustered fifty-six eft'ective rank and 
file. Two companies of each regiment were usually left 
at home on recruiting service. 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

These troops were in barracks or intrenched camps 
on Boston Common, the Neck communicating with the 
mainland, Fort Hill on the east, Copp's Hill on the 
north, and Beacon Hill on the west, of the town. A 
battery had been erected on Copp's Hill, commanding 
Charlestown, and strong works had also been carried 
across the Neck in the vicinity of where are now Ded- 
ham and Canton Streets. No troops, except, perhaps, 
those of Frederick the Great, could dispute the claim 
of the British infantry of that day to be considered the 
first in Europe, and the regiments now serving in Boston 
were the choicest troops that army could muster. 

The general organization and morale of the provincial 
forces have been touched upon. The headquarters were 
at Cambridge, with a corps under General John Thomas, 
cantoned at E-oxbury, in order to observe the enemy, 
or check an advance by land. General Ward held the 
nominal command, but all operations were directed by 
a junto called the Committee of Safety, whose orders 
were final. Some defensive works had been begun in 
the American centre, and towards their left. 

It is not believed that any flag was displayed by the 
provincial forces at Bunker Hill. No British account of 
the battle mentions any ; and yet it would have been 
the first thing to which the attention of a soldier would 
have beei> directed. If a British color had been seen 
flying within the American lines, the fact would have 
been little likely to escape remark ; and if any other 
flag had been flying there, its peculiarity would have 
attracted the curious observation of the whole British 
army. It is safe, therefore, in the absence of direct 
proof to the contrary, to declare that no flag was un- 
furled by the Americans on that day, and that the " Star 
Banner " of Mr. Carlyle yet hung high in the heavens. 



14 BUNKER HILL. 

The representation of the battle in the frontispiece 
is a heliotype reproduction of a very rare English print, 
published in London in 1781. The accuracy of some of 
its details may be questioned, and the configuration of the 
battle-ground is suggestive of Gibraltar, rather than 
Bunker Hill. Its general features, however, betray a 
tolerably authentic paternity, and it may have been 
copied from some rough sketch made on the spot. 

The narrative of the battle by " John Clarke," who 
styles himself " first lieutenant of marines," has been 
quoted, but is now given in full, and as an appropriate 
pendant to the other British accounts. It is not in- 
dorsed as authority.^ The accounts of Lord Harris, 
and General Burgoyne's letter to Lord Stanley, are now 
also printed in full, as the relations of eye-witnesses. 

^ No such name appears in tbe roster of the marine battalions, as given 
in their records ; nor in the list of promotions after the battle. Other inac- 
curacies render it doubtful if Clarke served in the horse or foot. His nar- 
rative possesses, however, a curious interest, as a production of the same 
year with the battle. 

The second edition, which is given in the text, was printed in London in 
1775, and is entitled "An Impartial and Authentic Narrative of the Battle 
fought on the 17th of June, 1775, between His Britannic Majesty's Troops 
and the American Provincial Army, on Bunker's Hill, near Charlestown, in 
New England." It is the only account (X)ataining the address of Howe to 
Lis troops. 



THE BATTLE. 



ON the morning of the 17th of June, 1775, the 
hihabitants and garrison of Boston were aroused 
by a heavy cannonade. The cause of the firing was 
soon apparent. A large body of provincial militia was 
plainly seen, from the house-tops and eminences of 
Boston, busily at work intrenching on Breed's Hill, in 
Charlestown. This discovery had first been made at 
daybreak, from the ships of war lying in the stream, 
one of which had opened her batteries upon the adven- 
turous workmen. The firing was soon augmented by 
the broadsides of other ships, and by a battery of field 
guns on Copp's Hill, the nearest point to the hostile 
works on the Boston side of Charles River. The Amer- 
icans, however, pursued their labor with unremitting 
diligence, regardless of the shower of cannon-shot 
directed against them. 

General Gage immediately called the superior officers 
of his troops together, in council. It was agreed that the 
Americans must be expelled from their position, but a 
discussion of the proper plan of attack elicited two con- 
flicting opinions. Some of the officers^ approved of 
landing at Charlestown Neck, seizing the communica- 

' General Clinton among others ; and, by implication, Howe and Bur- 
goyne, as the latter says, in his account of the battle, he and his colleagues 
never differed an iota in the military plans. 



16 BUNKER HILL. 

tion between the provincials and their main body, and 
taking their works in reverse. General Gage, for various 
reasons, preferred an attack in front, and orders were 
issued to prepare for it. Ten companies of light 
infantry, ten of grenadiers, the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d 
regiments, and some companies of the royal artillery, 
were ordered under arms. Twelve pieces of artillery 
were to accompany the attacking force, which a very 
moderate estimate fixes at two thousand men.^ General 
Howe, next in rank to General Gage, was ordered to 
take the command. 

These troops embarked about noon in two divisions, 
protected by a tremendous fire from the shipping, and 
landed without opposition at Moulton's (or Morton's) 
Point, near the head of the present Chelsea Bridge. 
Many, an eye that glanced curiously at the embank- 
ments crowning the heights above them, before night- 
fall was glazed in death. Bouillon and Colling wood, 
of subsequent naval renown, were in the boats, assisting 
in transporting the troops. 

General Howe formed his troops where he landed, in 
three lines, each having a front of two regiments : the 
grenadiers and light infantry occupied the first, the 38th 
and 5th the second, the 53d and 43d the third line, 
counting from left to right ; the artillery was posted in 
front. Howe then reconnoitred, and, obtaining a juster 
idea of the strength of the American position, caused his 
troops to rest and eat their dinners on the ground where 
they stood, while he sent back to Boston a request for 
reinforcements. The Americans continued to ply the 

' The regiments engaged should be counted as having only eight com- 
panies, the two flank companies of each being included with the twenty of 
light infantry and grenadiers, on the field. The companies did not, prob- 
ably, average fortv men fit for duty. 



THE BATTLE. IT 

spade until the British had landed, when they laid aside 
their intrenching tools and prepared for the coming 
conflict. 

Since midnight of the sixteenth, the Americans had 
thrown up a redoubt of about eight rods square, and an 
embankment on its left flank, extending about a hundred 
yards toward the Mystic. This work had been per- 
formed by a thousand Massachusetts and Connecticut 
men, commanded by Colonel William Prescott. Ex- 
hausted by the incessant toil of nearly twelve hours, 
these men, nevertheless, under the example of their 
indomitable leader, endured to the end the greater 
ordeal of the battle. 

Before the action began, the Americans completed 
their line to the Mystic by occupying a low stone-wall, 
having wooden rails above, situated near the base of 
Bunker Hill, and two hundred yards in rear of the 
redoubt. This protection they strengthened with the 
rails of other fences, heaping the space between with 
the new-mown hay then lying in mounds on the field. 
The Connecticut militia under Knowlton, and New 
Hampshire troops of Stark and Reed, with some Massa- 
chusetts men, defended this rustic breastwork with equal 
gallantry and success. They had here two light six- 
pounders, which made terrible practice later in the day. 
The American front was now substantially complete, 
except in the interval between the breastwork and the 
stone- wall, which was occupied by such slight natural 
obstacles as trees and fences, but presented a wide gap 
in the line. The line was also prolonged on the right of 
the redoubt by defences similar to those improvised on 
the left. 

Both sides were reinforced before the battle began in 
earnest. Colonels Stark and Reed had come on the 

3 



18 BUNKER HILL. 

field with tlieir New Ilampsliire regiments, and had 
taken post at the fence, on the left. Some other detach- 
ments had also joined, and General Warren, whose pres- 
ence animated the Americans with new courage, came to 
announce the speedy arrival of other reinforcements. 
At Putnam's suggestion he chose the redoubt as the post 
of honor, and having, on entering it, been offered the 
command by Prescott, declined it, saying, he came to 
act the part of a good soldier. Pomeroy, another gen- 
eral officer, also reached the ground, and took his station 
at the rail-fence. Putnam was there and everywhere, 
making the efforts of a Hercules to ensure the success 
of the day. Frye and Nixon and Gridley had seen ser- 
vice at Louisburg, and knew what fighting meant. 

Howe's request had been promptly answered by send- 
ing him the 47th regiment, the first marine battalion, and 
some additional companies of light-infantry and grena- 
diers. These troops landed near the present entrance 
to the Navy Yard, and acted under the orders of Colonel 
Nesbitt of the 47th. Pitcairn led his marines. It was 
now three in the afternoon, and both combatants were as 
ready as they were likely to be. 

The British artillery was ordered to begin, while Howe 
deployed his troops in columns of attack. The light- 
infantry moved by the right along the beach of Mystic 
E,iver. It was ordered to turn the rail-fence and clear 
the ground behind it. The grenadiers marched directly 
for the rail-fence to support this attack, which General 
Howe personally superintended. The left attack was 
formed of all the other regiments enumerated, advanc- 
ing in line along the American front, directing their 
march upon the breastwork and redoubt. General 
Pigot commanded this division. Howe expected to 
break through the American left and assail from their 



THE BATTLE. 19 

rear the troops in the redoubt and breastwork. If he 
succeeded, he was in a position to intercept the Ameri- 
cans' line of retreat, and to envelop them with his 
right.\ He calculated on an easy victory ; but the rail- 
fence was never taken until the loss of the redoubt and 
breastwork rendered it untenable. 

The British guns advanced and opened fire at about 
half-past three o'clock, followed by the troops, who 
moved slowly forward, and occasionally halted, in order 
to allow the artillery to make some impression. The 
day was very fine and very warm, and the attacking 
columns were encumbered with full marching equip- 
ments. They had occasionally to pull down fences in 
their way, and the grass, high and fit for mowing, also 
impeded them. In the soft ground, in the neighborhood 
of the brick-kilns, some of the guns became unable to 
advance, and were halted. British accounts say their 
troops received here a very destructive fire. 

Arriving within musket-shot of the American works, 
the troops commenced firing, receiving in return only a 
few scattering shots, until they came within about seventy 
yards. The provincials had been ordered all along their 
line to reserve their fire until they could see the white 
of their enemies' eyes. The troops, though doubting 
what this ominous silence might mean, continued to 
sweep the ramparts with their musketry, and to advance. 
When the English battle-line crossed the fatal boundary, 
already determined, a sonorous voice within the redoubt 
cried out, " Fire ! " 

' Burgoyne pronounced Howe's dispositions perfect ; other British author- 
ities considered them ftiulty. Had he succeeded in breaking through the 
American line at the rail-fence, the provincials would have been obliged to 
fight in the open field, or retreat at great disadvantage, with the enemy be- 
tween them and Bunker Hill. The British commander's error was more in 
his tactics than the plan of battle. 



20 BUNKER ir^L. 

Then began that terrible fusilade, wliich so many have 
in vain attempted to describe. A blaze ran along the 
whole line ; the hill shook. Like the leap of a pent-np 
wave of fire from ont a bnrning building, it rolled and 
surged down upon the English line, bursting through 
and overwhelming it, — Hashing with deadly gleams, 
and crested with battle-smoke. Whole companies with- 
ered away. Standards sunk out of sight, and ranks of 
muskets fell from nerveless hands. When it had passed, 
a broken line of bewildered men, unable to advance, 
unwilling to fly, stood where the heaps of the dead and 
dying were more than the groups of the living. Then 
the bugles sounded the recall, and thev retreated to the 
shore, where the Americans' exultant hurrah followed 
them. 

Both divisions were repulsed by the same tactics, — 
the same cool waitinsr for the command which allowed 
deliberate and accurate aim. Every muzzle pointed to 
its victim minutes before the order was s^iven to fire. 

British valor could not endure defeat, and Howe, 
gathering his columns together, resolved on a second 
effort. Charlestown had afforded some cover to provin- 
cial marksmen, and .was set on fire. The Americans, who 
had thus far suffered little loss, were exasperated by 
the sight. Their countrymen were anxiously watching 
them from every house-top and hill-side that commanded 
a view of the field. The roar of cannon, the musket 
volleys, the crackling of flames, and the swathes of thick 
smoke, han^jfincr above, made everv combatant an actor 
in a theatre such as few lifetimes have witnessed. 

The British repeated the same manoeuvre, and with 
the same result as before, except that the troops were 
more dispirited at their want of success, more shaken 
by the appalling slaughter. This was not fighting, 



THE BATTLE. 21 

they said, but downright butchery. Many valuable 
officers had fallen, and with them a third of the num- 
bers that had first obeyed the order to advance. The 
desperate situation of affairs was perceived in Boston. 
A second reinforcement of marines was sent to Howe, 
and General Clinton, with the impulse of a gallant 
soldier, crossed the river in a boat and placed himself 
at the head of some broken battalions to take part 
in the closinsr scene. This was the critical moment of 
the day. 

For the third time Howe succeeded in rallying and 
forming his gallant little army. The knowledge gained 
in the previous attacks was now used to advantage. The 
men threw off their knapsacks and the officers their 
blankets. The artillery was ordered to take a position 
to enfilade the fatal gap between the breastwork and 
rail-fence. Howe placed himself at the head of the light 
infantry and grenadiers, and marched against the breast- 
work. Clinton and Pigot led their columns against the 
redoubt. The soldiers were ordered to move at a quick 
step, and use the bayonet only. 

The British artillery soon drove the defenders of the 
breastwork into the redoubt. Powder had become 
scarce ; yet the provincials awaited with the same calm- 
ness as before the expected onset. One deadly volley 
shot in pieces the head of the British cohimn, and stag- 
gered it ; but it pressed on to the wall of the work, 
flowed over the rampart, and closed in hand-to-hand 
encounter with the brave garrison. The day was lost, 
thoui^h the Americans still contested it in their retreat. 
Warren was killed and left on the field. Putnam and 
Prescott and Pomeroy and Stark sullenly gave ground 
and retired as the enemy advanced. Howe, having now 
w^on the peninsula, brought one of his shattered regi- 



22 BUNKER HILL. 

ments to the front, where it hivouacked. Other troops 
passed the weary night lying on their arms, or throw- 
ing up intrenchments on Bunker Hill. A thousand 
and more of the ilower of English soldiery lay dead or 
wounded in front of the American lines. 

At five o'clock the battle was over. The Americans, 
though beaten from the peninsula, took a more advanced 
position than any they had yet occupied. They lost over 
four hundred in killed and wounded, but had met and 
disputed in regular battle with troops who, until then, 
believed themselves invincible. They also lost five of 
the six small field guns which they took into action. 
From this day the head of a British column was never 
seen on the shore of the mainland, and the contest for 
the possession of Boston was reduced to a question of 
artillery practice. 



IT. 



THE SHARE OF THE 4th, OR KING'S OWN, 

REGlMENT.i 



"|~\URING the-night of the 16th of June an immense body of 
^^ provincials proceeded to the heights on the peninsula of 
Charlestown, called Bunker's Hill, and commenced throwing 
up intrenchments with great diligence. General Gage resolved 
to dislodge the enemy from this post immediately ; and a body 
of troops, of which the grenadier and light companies of the 
" King's Own " formed part, was embarked in boats for this 
purpose about mid-day on the 17th of June. 

About three o'clock in the afternoon the attack commenced, 
and in this contest British valor and discipline were eminently 
displayed. The Americans were in great force, strongly posted, 
and intrenched up to the teeth. The king's troops had to ad- 
vance in a hot summer's day, in the face of a sharp and well- 
directed fire, and to ascend a steep hill covered with grass 
reaching to their knees, and intersected with walls and fences 
of various enclosures. Twice they were stopped, and twice they 
returned to the charge ; and by their undaunted resolution and 
steady perseverance they eventually triumphed over thrice their 
own numbers, and carried the heights at the point of the bayo- 
net. This proved one of the most sanguinary battles on record, 
and the superiority of the British troops was pre-eminently 
displayed. The two flank companies of the King's Own had 

^ " Historical Record of the 4th Regiment of Foot." 



24 BUNKER HILL. 

one Serjeant and thirteen rank and file killed ; Captains Bal- 
four and West, Lieutenants Baron and Brown, one Serjeant, 
one drummer, and twenty-nine rank and file wounded.^ 

^ This regiment lias a remarkable record. It has fought in Africa, Ire- 
land, the Netherlands, Spain, Canada (1711), Scotland, Belgium, Havana 
(1762) ; the American AVar, from Lexington until 1778; the West Indies, 
Nova Scotia, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, the Peyinsular War, and second 
war with America (1812.) It was at the taking of Washington, and at New 
Orleans it lost nearly four hundred men. The regiment was twice at Bos- 
ton, — first in 1711, under Colonel Seymour. Charles, Earl of Plymouth, 
a natural son of Charles II., was first colonel ; Piercy Kiike (Jeffrey's e.KCcu- 
tioner) also commanded it; Studholme Hodgson was colonel, 1768 to 1782, 
then John Burgoyne ; and in the War of 1812, John, Earl of Chatham. 



THE 52D, OXFORDSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. 25 



III. 



RECORD OF THE 52d, OXFORDSHIRE LIGHT 

INFANTRY. 



'TPHE Americans were plainly seen at work throwing up in- 
-■- trenchments around the hill, and preparations were at once 
made for landing a body of men to dislodge the enemy and 
take possession of the^ works. Ten companies of grenadiers, 
ten of light infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regi- 
ments, with a proportion of field artillery, were detailed for 
this service. 

Embarking from Boston in boats about noon on the 17th of 
June, the troops crossed the river, and landed on the opposite 
shore, where they formed immediately ; the light-infantry being 
posted on the right, and the grenadiers upon their left. The 
5th and 38th drew up in the rear of those corps, and the 43d 
and 52d formed a third line. The ships of war opened their 
fire upon the enemy's works, and the troops ascended tlie steep 
hill and advanced to storm the intrenchments. The approach 
to the hill was covered with grass reaching to the knees, and 
intersected with walls and fences of various enclosures. The 
difficult ascent, the heat of the weather, and tlie superior 
numbers of the enemy, together with their accurate and inces- 
sant fire, made the enterprise particularly arduous. The light- 
infantry were directed to force the left point of the breastwork; 
to take the enemy's line in flank, while the grenadiers were to 
attack in front, supported by the 5th and 52d regiments. 
These orders were executed with perseverance, and, notwith- 
standing the numerous impediments offered, the enemy Avas 
forced from his stronghold and driven from the peninsula, 
leaving behind five pieces of cannon. 

4 



26 BUNKER HILL. 

In this action the 52d particularly distinguished itself. It 
suffered, however, severely ; the whole of the grenadier com- 
pany were either killed or wounded. 

The late General Mai'tin Hunter, who was present as an 
ensign in the 52d, writes in his journal: "The grenadiers and 
light companies (of the several regiments before enumerated) 
attacked the breastworks extending from the Charlestown 
Heights (or Bunker Hill) redoubt to the Mystic River, while 
the remaining companies attacked the redoubt itself. Al)Out 
one hundred yards from the latter they were stopped by some 
brick-kilns and enclosures, and exposed for some time to the 
whole of its fire ; and it was here that so many men were lost. 
The remains of the 52d regiment continued at the advanced 
post the whole of the night after the battle ; several attacks 
were made on them during the night, but the Americans were 
constantly repulsed." 

The following is the official return of killed and wounded on 
this occasion: Captains Nicholas Addison, George Amos 
Smith, and William Davison, one serjeant, and twenty rank 
and file, were killed. Major Arthur Williams, who was speci- 
ally noticed in the dispatch from General Gage, did not survive 
his wounds. Captain-lieutenant Andrew Neilson, Lieutenants 
Henry Crawfurd, John Thompson, and Robert Harpur Hig- 

gins, Ensigns the Honorable William Chetwynd, Graeme, 

and volunteer Robert John Harrison, and seven Serjeants and 
seventy-three rank and file, were wounded. Lieutenant Higgins 
died on the 24th of June.^ 

• The annals of this regiment present some interesting souvenirs of the 
war. The 52d was afterwards in the attack on Fort Washington (Hudson 
River). General Martin Hunter, who was present, says in his journal: 
" The light-infantry embarked at King's Bridge in flat-bottomed boats, and 
proceeded up the East River ( ?) under a very heavy cannonade. They 
landed, and stormed a battery, and afterwards took possession of a hill that 
commanded the fort (Washington). Before landing, the fire of cannon and 
musketry was so heavy that the sailors quitted their oars and lay down in 
the bottom of the boats ; and had not the soldiers taken the oars and pulled 
on shore, we must have remained in this situation." The 52d was engaged at 
Rhode Island, and in the massacre of Wayne's corps. It was the first bat- 
talion attacked at Germantown. AVhen retreating before the furious onset 



THE 52D, OXFORDSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. 27 

of Washington, General Howe came to the front and reproached the corps 
with much passion : " For shame, light-infantry ! I never saw you retreat 
before : form ! form ! it's only a scouting party." A shower of grape from 
the American cannon having fallen among the crowd that were standing with 
the general, he rode off at full speed from the " scouting party," to the 
huge enjoyment of the veterans he had just accused of cowardice. 

At Monmouth, Powell, the fourth captain of the grenadier company 
killed during the war, having fallen, the drummer of his company was heard 
to exclaim, " Well, I wonder who they'll get to accept of our grenadier 
company now ? I'll be d — d if I would ! " 

In 1778, the regiment, being reduced to ninety-two effective men, was 
sent home to England. It had been raised in 1755 (Seven Years' War), 
and was first numbered o-Ith ; but on account of the disbandment of Colonel 
Shirley's and Sir William Pepperell's regiments (oOth and 51st), it became 
the 52d. Sir John Clavering was its colonel duringr the American War ; Sir 
John Moore and Lieutenant-general Martin Hunter had been lieutenants; 
Fii-ld-n\arshal Lord Seaton commanded it in 1812. At Bunker Hill the52d 
and 4:3il began that soldierly brotherhood afterwards cemented on the 
famous fields of the Peninsular War. 



28 BUNKER HILL. 



IV. 



ACCOUNT OF ADJUTANT WALLER, ROYAL 

MARINES. 



Camp of Charlestown Heights, 22d June, 1775. 

IV /FY DEAR Brother, — Amidst the hurry and confusion of 
-^'-^ a camp hastily pitched in the field of battle, I am sat down 
to tell you I have escaped unhurt, where many, very many, have 
fallen. The public papers will inform you of the situation of 
the ground and the redoubt that we attacked on the heights 
of Charlestown. I can only say that it was a most desperate 
and daring attempt, and it was performed with as much gal-, 
lantry and spirit as was ever shown by any troops in any age. 

Two companies of the first battalion of marines, and part 
of the 47th regiment, Avere the first that mounted the breast- 
work ; and you will not be displeased when I tell you that 
I was wnth those two companies who drove their bayonets 
into all that opposed them. Nothing could be more shocking 
than the carnage that followed the storming this work. We 
tumbled over the dead to get at the living, who were crowding 
out of the gorge of the redoubt, in order to form under the 
defences which they had prepared to cover their retreat. In 
these breastworks they had artillery, which did so much mis- 
chief; but these they were obliged to abandon, being followed 
closely by the light-infantry, who suffered exceedingly in the 
pursuit. The rebels had five thousand to seven thousand men, 
covered by a redoubt, breastworks, walls, liedges, trees, and 
the like ; and the number of the corps under General Howe 
(who performed this gallant business) did not amount to 
fifteen hundred. We gained a complete victory, and in- 



ACCOUNT OF ADJUTANT WALLER. 29 

trenched ourselves tliat night, where we lay under arms, in 
tlie front of the field of battle. We lay the next night on the 
ground, and the following day encamped. The officers have 
not their marquees, but are obliged to lie-in soldiers' tents, 
they being more portable in case of our advancing. 

We had of our corps one major, two captains, and 
three lieutenants killed ; four captains and three lieutenants 
wounded ; two Serjeants, and twenty-one rank and file killed ; 
and three Serjeants and seventy-nine privates wounded ; and, 
1 suppose. Upon the whole, we lost, killed and wounded, from 
eight hundred to one thousand men. We killed a number of 
the rebels, but the cover they fought under made their- loss 
less considerable than it would otherwise have been. The 
army is in great spirits, and full of rage and ferocity at the 
rebellious rascals who both poisoned and chewed the musket- 
balls, in order to make them the more fatal. Many officers 
have died of their wounds, and others very ill ; 'tis astonish- 
ing what a number of officers were hit on this occasion: but 
the officers were particularly aimed at. 

I will just give you a short account of the part of the 
action where I was particularly concerned. We landed close 
under Charlestown, and formed with the 47th regiment 
close under the natural defences of the redoubt, which we 
drove the enemy from, climbing over rails and hedges. So 
we closed upon them ; but when we came immediately under 
the work, we were checked by the severe fire of the enemy, 
but did not retreat an inch. We were now in confusion, alter 
being broke several times in getting over the rails, &c. I did 
all I could to form the two companies on our right, which at 
last I effected, losing many of them while it was performing. 
Major Pitcairne was killed close by me, with a captain and a 
subaltern, also a sergeant, aud many of the privates ; and had 
we stopped there much longer, the enemy would have picked 
us all off. I saw this, and beuued Colonel Nesbitt, of the 
47th, to form on our left, in order that we might advance 
with our bayonets to the parapet. I ran from right to left, 
and stopped our men from firing ; while this was doing, and 
when we had got in tolerable order, we rushed on, leaped the 



30 BUNKER HILL. 

ditch, and climbed the parapet, under a most sore and heavy 
fire. Colonel Nesbitt has spoken very favorably of my con- 
duct, and both our majors have mentioned me to Lord Sand- 
wich in consequence of it. One captain and one subaltern 
fell in getting up, and one captain and one subaltern were 
wounded of our corps ; three captains of the 52d were killed 
on the parapet, and others that I know nothing of. God bless 
you ! I did not think, at one time, that I should ever have 
been able to write this, though in the heat of the action I 
thought nothing of the matter. 

Adieu, dear Jacob, yours, 

J. Waller. 



THE EOTAL MARINES. 31 



V. 

THE ROYx\.L MARINES. 



/^~\N the 8th of June the American congress resolved " that 
^-^ the compact between the crown and the people of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay is dissolved." A proclamation was issued by 
General Gage establishing martial law, and offering pardon to 
all who should return to their allegiance, excepting Samuel 
Adams and John Handcock. Matters were thus fast approach- 
ing to a crisis, and both parties prepared in right earnest for 
the struggle. 

At this moment, the town of Cliarlestown was not occupied 
by either party ; and the rebels, anticipating the movement of 
tlie king's troops, sent a large body of men on the 16th of June 
to erect works upon Bunker's Hill ; and during the night they 
raised intrenchments, and constructed a formidable redoubt. 
Ou the 17th, at daybreak, the garrison of Boston was alarmed 
by a Iieavy cannonade from his Majesty's ship " Lively," directed 
against the working party on the hill ; but as the Americans 
persevered in their labors with great firmness. General Gage 
considered it highly necessary to dislodge them from so im- 
portant a position, and therefore resolved on an immediate 
attack. 

The "Lively," " Falcon," and " Spitfire" having anchored 
abreast of and below Charlestown for covering the landing of the 
troops, at nine in the morning the " Glasgow," lying off" New 
Point, and a battery of six guns and some howitzers, opened 
upon the rebels ; but tiiey perseveringly continued their work, 
nothing daunted by the heavy fire which was poured upon them. 
The Americans on the heights were in great force, and strongly 



33 BUNKEE niLL. 

posted in a redoubt, besides other works, on which they had 
mounted cannon. In the houses of Charlestown, which cov- 
ered their right flank, they had also posted a large body of 
troops, while their centre and left flank were protected by 
a breastwork, partly cannon proof: and these works reached 
from the left of the redoubt to the Mystic, or Medford River. 
Ten companies of grenadiers and ten of light-infantry, with 
the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major-general 
Howe and Brigadier-general Pigot, were embarked with great 
expedition, and landed about noon, on Charlestown Point, 
under the protection of the ships of war, whose well-directed 
fire kept the insurgents within their works. The troops 
formed in perfect order, the light-infantry under Brigadier 
Pigot posted on the right, and the grenadiers on the left ; in 
rear of these the 5th and 38th regiments, and the 43d and 
52d in a third line. Major-general Howe, on examining the 
state of the enemy's defences, and observing fresh columns 
pouring in to their assistance, solicited a reinforcement, which 
soon joined him, consisting of some companies of grenadiers 
and light-infantry, the 4Tth regiment, and the battalions of 
marines, who were led by Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short. 
The major-general then formed the corps under his command 
into two lines, and immediately advanced towards the enemy's 
works. About half-past three o'clock a smart fire was opened 
from the field-pieces and howitzers of the British, as the 
troops slowly advanced, and occasionally halting to allow the 
artillery to fire with greater effect. The light-infantry was 
directed to force the left point of the breastwork, and take the 
enemy in flank ; whilst the grenadiers were to attack in front, 
supported by the 5th and 52d regiments. Not a shot was 
returned by the enemy until our troops were close upon them, 
when they opened a destructive fire, which was so well main- 
tained that it somewhat staggered the assailants. For some 
time the British withstood this opposition ; but their loss of 
officers and men was so great that they recoiled a little, and 
fell into disorder, until the animating presence of General 
Howe restored confidence, when the soldiers rallied, and 
again advanced upon the enemy. 



THE ROYAL MARINES. 33 

At tliis time the left wing, from being much exposed to the 
enemy's fire from the houses of Charlestovvn, sustained con- 
siderable loss ; orders were therefore sent to destroy the place, 
which was speedily effected by red-hot shot from the ships, and 
by Cape's (Copp's) Hill battery throwing carcasses. General 
Howe now renewed his attack ; and, overcoming the various 
impediments thrown in their way, the British soldiers rushed 
into the intrenchments with the bayonet, and drove the gallant 
enemy from every part of the works across the peninsula, leav- 
ing five pieces of cannon in our possession. At the commence- 
ment of the action the rebels had above five thousand men, 
and their loss must have been considerable ; but only thirty 
of the killed remained in the redoubt. In this hardly-earned 
victory the loss on the part of the British amounted to one 
lieutenant-colonel, two majors, seven captains, nine lieutenants, 
fifteen Serjeants, one drummer, and one hundred and ninety- 
one rank and file, killed ; three majors, twenty-seven captains, 
thirty-two lieutenants, eight ensigns, and seven hundred and 
fifty-eight privates, wounded, — making a total of ten hundred 
and fifty-four in killed and wounded. 

The marine battalions sustained more than its proportionate 
share of casualties : — 

First battalion : Major Short, Captain Stephen Ellis, Lieu- 
tenants Richard Shea and William Finnic, and seventeen men, 
killed. Major Pitcairne, mortally ; Captains Thomas Avarne, 
Stawel Chudleigh, and David Johnstone, Lieutenant Ragg, and 
fifty-seven men, wounded. 

Second battalion : Captain Archibald Campbell, Lieutenant 
Francis Gardner, and five men, killed ; Captain George Logan, 
Lieutenants John Dyer, Alexander Brisbane, and thirty men, 
wounded. 

The reputation of the marines was never more nobly sus- 
tained than in this sanguinary contest. Their unshaken firm- 
ness was conspicuous, and the valor they displayed in closing 
with the enemy, when some part of the attacking column 
wavered, gained them not only the admiration of their com- 
rades, but the commendation of their distinguished chief. • 



34 BUNKER HILL. 

General Orders, 19 Jime, 1775. 

The Commander-in-chief returns his most grateful thanks to 
Major-general Howe for the extraordinary exertion of his mili- 
tary abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also, 
to Major-general Clinton and Brigadier Pigot for the share 
they took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant- 
colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke, Majors 
Butler, Williams, Bruce, Tupper, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel," 
and the rest of the officers and soldiers, who by remarkable 
efforts of courage and gallantry overcame every disadvantage, 
and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strongholds on the 
heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory.^ 

* " Historical Record Royal Marine Forces." 



THE KOYAL AKTILLERY. 35 



VI. 

THE ROYAL ARTILLERY AT BUNKER HILL. 



r\N the 17th of June, 1775, the Battle of Bunker's Hill, as 
^-^ it is called, although Breed's Hill was the real scene of 
operations (Bunker's Hill, which was intended to be fortified, 
being considerably more distant from Boston), was fought ; and 
between the batteries on Cop's Hill, and with the guns actually 
on the field, five companies of the fourth battalion were present, 
Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8. Eight field guns were actually in action ; 
hut twelve accompanied the attacking force, — four light twelve- 
pounders, four 5i-inch howitzers, and four light six-pounders. 
The attack was made under the fire of the guns, " the troops 
advancing slowly, and halting at intervals to give time for the 
artillery to produce some effect." In these words the recently 
exploded traditions are apparent which wedded the artillery to 
the infantry during an engagement, instead of allowing it in- 
dependent action. One statement is made by Stedman, gen- 
erally a most accurate writer, which it is difficult to reconcile 
with Colonel Cleaveland's official report. " During the. engage- 
ment," writes the former, " a supply of ball for the artillery, 
sent from the ordnance department in Boston, was found to be 
of larger dimensions than fitted the calibres of the field-pieces 
that accompanied the detachment, an oversight which pre- 
vented the further use of the artillery." 

In opposition to this statement, Colonel Cleaveland's re- 
port to the Master-general may be quoted : " At Bunker's 
Hill I sent sixty-six rounds to each gun, and not more than 
half was fired." The artillery met with but little casualty. 
According to the Fourth Battalion records. Captain-lieutenant 
Lemoine, Lieutenant Shuttleworth, and nine matrosses were 



36 BUNKER HILL. 

wounded ; according to Colonel Cleavcland's MSS. this num- 
ber was increased by Captain Huddlestone, whom he includes 
among the wounded. 

The English plan of attack was faulty, and the defence of 
the Americans admirable ; but these facts merely rendered the 
victory of the English troops more creditable. It did not save 
Boston from the blockade, which from this day became more 
thorough ; and it certainly encouraged the American militia, 
who found with what effect they could fight against those reg- 
ular troops from which they had hitherto shrunk a little, with 
a species of superstitious dread.^ 

> " History Royal Artillery." 



ACCOUNT OF CAPTAIX HAEEIS, 37 



vn. 

ACCOUNT OF CAPTAIN HARRTS,i OP THE 5th FOOT. 



"^T yE had made a breach in their fortifications, which I had 
^ ' twice mounted, encouraging the men to follow me, and 
was ascending a third time, when a ball grazed the top of my 
head, and I fell, deprived of sense and motion. My lieutenant, 
Lord Rawdon, caught me in his arms, and, believing me dead, 
endeavored to remove me from the spot, to save my body from 
being trampled on. The motion, while it hurt me, restored 
my senses, and I articulated, " For God's sake, let me die in 
peace." 

The hope of preserving my life induced Lord Rawdon to 
order four soldiers to take me up, and carry me to a place of 
safety. Three of them were wounded while performing this 
office (one afterwards died of his wounds) ; but they succeeded 
in placing me under some trees out of the reach of the balls. 
A retreat having been sounded, poor Holmes was running al)out 
like a madman in search of me, and luckily came to the place 
where I lay, just in time to prevent my being left behind, for 
when they brought me to the water's edge, the last boat was 
put off, the men calling out " they would take no more ! " Oa 
Holmes' hallooing out, " It is Captain Harris," they put back 

1 Afterward George, Lord Harris. He commanded the grenadier com- 
pany, his lieulcnant beinjj Lord R;iwdon, subsequently Mai'quis of Hastings. 
Harris srrveJ in America, in the West Indies, and in the East Indies. He 
coinmanded as lientenant-ger.eral the army which captured Scringapatam, 
in which Tippoo Sidtan was killed. After Bunker Hill his life was saved by 
trepanning. He notes that his surgeons, by fixing looking-glasses, gratiBed 
hira with a view of his own brains. — Diary of Lord ILirris, in his "Life' 
and Services." London, 181o. 



38 BUNKER HILL. 

and took me in. 1 was very weak and faint, and seized with a 
severe shivering. Onr blankets had been flung away during the 
engagement ; luckily there was one belonging to a man in the 
boat, in which, wrapping me up, and laying me in the bottom, 
they conveyed me safely to my quarters.^ 

1 Captain Harris wa:s ■with his company in the Battle of Lexington 
and Concord. Lord Percy, his colonel, placed him in command of the 
rear guard on the retreat, as Colonel Smith had given the advance to one 
of the 10th in the march to Concord. Harris's company -was, as he him- 
self relates, very roughly handled. Captain Parsons, of the 10th, who 
also figured prominently at Concord, was among the wounded at Bunker 
Hill. 



BUEGOYNE's letter to lord STANLEY. 39 



VIII. 

GENERAL BURGOYNE'S LETTER TO LORD STANLEY.^ 



"DOSTON is a peninsula, joined to the mainland only by a nar- 
^-^ row neck, whicli, on the first troubles, General Gage forti- 
fied ; arms of the sea and the harbor form the rest ; on the other 
side of one of these arms, to the north, is Charlestown (or 
rather was, for it is now rubbish), and over it a large hill, which 
is also, like Boston, a peninsula. To the south of the town is 
a still larger scope of ground, containing three hills, joining 
also to the mainland by a tongue, and called Dorchester Neck, 
the neck above described ; both north and south (in- the soldier 
phrase) commanded the town, that is, gave an opportunity of 
erecting batteries above any we can make against them, and 
consequently are much more advantageous. It was absolutely 
necessary we should make ourselves masters of these heights, 
and we proposed to begin with Dorchester, because, from the 
particular situation of the batteries and shipping, it would 
evidently be effected without any considerable loss. Every thing 
was disposed accordingly. My two colleagues and myself (who, 
by tiic by, have never differed in one jot of military sentiment) 
had, in concert with General Gage, formed the plan. Howe 
was to land the transports on one point, Clinton in the centre, 
and I was to cannonade from the causeway, or the neck, each 
to take advantage of the circumstances. The operations must 
have been very easy. This was to have been executed on the 

^ General Burgoyne witnessed the battle from Copp's Hill. He and 
Lord Percy remained on duty in Boston ; the former cannonaded General 
Thomas at Roxbury from the British lines on Boston Neck, in order to pre- 
vent reinforcements being de-patched to the battle-tield. 



40 ' BTOTKER HILL. 

18tli. On the 17tli, at dawn of day, we found the enemy had 
pushed intrenchments with great diligence during the night 
on the heights of Cliarlestown, and we evidently saw that every 
hour gave them fresh strength ; it therefore became necessary 
to alter our plan, and attack on that side. Howe, as second in 
command, was detached with about two thousand men, and 
landed on the outward side of the peninsula, covered with ship- 
ping, without opposition. He was to advance from thence up 
the hill, which was over Cliarlestown, where the strength of 
the enemy lay. He had under him Brigadier-general Pigot. 
Clinton and myself took our stand (for we had not any fixed 
post) in a large battery opposite to Cliarlestown, and command- 
ing it, and also reaching to the height above it, and thereby 
facilitating Howe's attack. Howe's disposition was extremely 
soldier-like : in my opinion, it was perfect. As his first arm 
advanced up, they met with a thousand impediments from 
strong fences, and were much exposed. They were also very 
much hurt by the musketry from Cliarlestown, though Clinton 
and I did not perceive it, till Howe sent us word by a boat, and 
desired us to set fire to the town, which was immediately done. 
We threw a parcel of shells, and the whole was instantly in 
flames. Our battery afterwards kept an incessant fire on the 
heights ; it was seconded by a number of frigates, floating- 
batteries, and one ship of the line. 

And now ensued one of the greatest scenes of war that can 
be conceived, if we look to the height. Howe's corps, as- 
cending the hill in the face of intrenchments, and in a very 
disadvantageous ground, was much engaged ; and to the left, the 
enemy pouring in fresh troops l)y thousands over the land ; 
and in the arm of the sea, our ships and floating batteries can- 
nonading them ; straight before us, a large and noble town in 
one blaze : the church-steeples, being made of timber, were 
great pyramids of fire above the rest ; behind us, the church- 
steeples and heights of our camp covered with spectators. The 
enemy all anxious suspense ; the roar of cannon, mortars, 
musketry ; the crash of churches, ships upon the stocks, and 
whole streets falling together in ruin, to fill the ear ; the storm 
of the redoubts, with the objects above described, to fill the 



burgotne's letter to lord staxlet. 41 

eye ; and the reflection, that, perhaps, a defeat was a final loss 
to the British Empire in America, to fill the mind, — made the 
whole a picture, and complication of horror and importance, 
beyond any thing that came to my lot to be a witness to. I 
much lament my nephew's absence : it was a sight for a young- 
soldier that the longest service may not furnish again ; and 
had he been with me he would likewise have been out of 
danger, for except two cannon-balls that went a hundred yards 
over our heads, we were not in any part of the direction of the 
enemy's shot. A moment of the day was critical. Howe's 
left was staggered ; two battalions had been sent to reinforce 
them, but we perceived them on a beach, seeming in embarrass- 
ment which way to march. Clinton, then next for business, 
-took the part, without waiting for orders, to throw himself into 
a boat to lead them ; lie arrived in time to be of service. The 
day ended with glory, and the success was most important, 
considering the ascendancy it gives the regular troops ; but the 
loss was uncommon among the officers, considering the num- 
bers engaged. 



42 BUNKER* HILL. 



IX. 



AN AUTHENTIC AND IMPARTIAL NARRATIVE OF THE 
BATTLE FOUGHT ON THE 17th OF JUNE, 1775, &c.> 



/^N Friday, the sixteenth of June, 1775, Lieutenant-general 
^-^ Gage, Commander-in-chief of all his Majesty's troops in 
America, and Governor of Boston, received information that the 
provincial American army were erecting a battery on Bunker's 
Hill, contiguous to Charlestowii, with an intent to besiege and 
annoy the town of Boston, This information was soon con- 
firmed by their firing several cannon-balls into the town, to 
the infinite terror and danoer of the inhabitants, most of whom 
then within the town were in general deemed and esteemed 
the steady friends of government. 

■ In consequence of this insult to his Majesty's troops and 
government. Lieutenant-general Gage thougiit it expedient to 
give orders for the men-of-war, transports, &c., and the military, 
to make every necessary preparation for an action. 

On the subsequent day, Saturday, the 17tli of June, in com- 
pliance with these orders, every necessary disposal from the 
fleet and army was made by ten in the morning, and such 
troops as were ordered upon tlie expedition were embarked at 
Hancock's Wharf, and etlected their landing under the cover of 
the shipping by one. 

Two transports, also with troops, arrived from England the 
night before, were ordered to land in the morning on Charles- 
town side to proceed to the engagement. 

Immediately after landing. Major-general Howe, Major Pit- 
cairn, and other principal officers, directly drew up the troops 
to the best advantage for battle; whilst this disposal was 

1 By John Clarke, who styles himself First Lieutenant of Marines. 
See Litroduttion, note. 



Clarke's narrative. 43 

effecting, Lieutenant-general Gage ordered the artillery on the 
Boston side to bombard and set fire to Charlestown, in order to 
cut off the resource or refuge it might afford the provincials. 
These orders were executed with incredible dispatch ; and the 
whole town, containing about three hundred houses and a 
large church, represented a general conflagration by half after 
two. 

By this time the troops were all drawn up in order of battle, 
when Major-general Howe addressed the officers and soldiers 
in the following manner : — 

Gentlemen, — I am very happy in having the honor of com- 
manding so fine a body of men. I do not in the least doubt but 
that you will behave like Englishmen, and as becometh good 
soldiers. 

If the enemy will not come from their intrenchments, we must 
drive them out at all events, otherwise the town of Boston will be 
set on fire by them. 

I shall not desire one of you to go a step farther than where I go 
myself at your head. 

Kernember, gentlemen, we have no recourse to any resources if 
we lose Boston but to go on board our ships, which will be very 
disagreeable to us all. 

We then began to proceed to action, by marching with a 
quick step up the precipice that led to the intrenched provincial 
army, until within five hundred yards of them ; a very brisk 
fire commenced on their side, and was returned on ours ; still 
maixhing up to their intrenchments as fast as possible, from 
whence we dislodged them by four o'clock, the battle being 
fought and gained within one hour. 

In the intrenchments were found five pieces of« cannon and 
five iron swivel guns, which they had taken out of the " Diana " 
schooner, which they burnt. 

The fate of the battle was very severe on the 52d regi- 
ment of foot and the first brigade of marines, the officers 
and men bcliaving remarkably well, and gaining immortal 
honor, though with considerable loss, as will appear by the 
number of the officers killed and wounded. 



44 BUXKER HILL. 

A full half-hour after tlie Americans were dislodged from 
their intrenchments, and it was generally supposed that 
no enemy were at hand, Lieutenant Button, of the 38th 
regiment, being much afflicted with the gout and severely 
fatigued with the engagement, sat down on the grass to change 
his stockings, and while so doing, was alarmed by his servant 
telling him two men were approaching with lirelocks, who were 
not of the king's troops. The servant expressed an appre- 
hension of their intention being hostile, wliich Mr. Dutton 
lauglied at, and replied, he supposed they were coming to 
surrender and give up their arms ; Init his incredulity proved 
fatal to him, for they were no sooner within a convenient space 
than they lodged the contents of their muskets in the bodies 
of the hard-fated lieutenant and servant, notwithstanding that 
the king's troops were within fifty yards of him when he lost 
his life, and some of the light-infantry quite close to him ; liow- 
ever, they were instantaneously sacrificed to his much-injured 
manes. Mrs. Dutton and her two children came home in the 
" Cerberus." 

The Americans being defeated, and the king's troops in 
possession of tlie intrenchments, Major-general Howe sent to 
Lieutenant-general Gage for a reinforcement of troops, who 
immediately sent him four regiments of foot and the second 
battalion of marines, a company of artillery, and six pieces of 
cannon. 

As soon as the reinforcements of troops arrived, they imme- 
diately began to fortify Bunker's Hill ; by which they acquired 
about one hundred and forty acres of fine land, with all the 
gardens and orchards belonging to Ciiarlestown. This acqui- 
sition is of the utmost consequence to Boston, as that town 
can now be supplied with plenty of vegetables and fruit. 

It is impossible to give an exact account of the number 
which was killed of the Americans : above two hundred were 
killed on forcing the intrenchments, as appeared on our bury- 
ing so many; above forty were made prisoners, and carried to 
Boston jail, where they still remain. 

The next day, also, we found a piece of ground, about twenty 
yards long and twelve wide, which appeared to have been 



CLARKE S NARRATIVE. 



45 



freshly digged. On opening part of it, about two feet deep, a 
number of dead bodies were discovered, buried in their cloatlis ; 
these men must have been killed by the shot and bombs from 
the shipping the day before, and during part of the night ; hut, 
not opeuing all the piece of ground, the exact number could 
not be discovered. 



A LIST OF OFFICERS KILLED AND WOUNDED ON SATUR- 
DAY, THE 17th of JUNE, 1775. 



4th Regiment. 

5? 


Captain Balfour . . 

*• VV cSu • • • 

Lieutenant Barron . 


• • 
• 




Wounded 

W. 

W. 


51 


,, Brown . 


» 




w. 


5th Regiment. 


Major Mitchel . . 


• 




w. 


5) 
»5 • 


Captain Downs . . 
„ Jackson . . 


• 




Killed. 
W. 


i1 


„ Marsden . . 
Lieutenant Croker . 


• • 

• • 




w. 
w. 


J» 


„ M'Clintock 


» • 




w. 


55 


Ensign Charlton . . 


» * 




w. 


55 

lOtli Regiment. 

55 


„ Palaguire 
Captain Fitzgerald . 
„ Parsons . . 


• • 

• • 




w. 
w. 
w. 


55 


Lieutenant Pettigrew 


, 




w. 


55 
55 

55 


,, Hamilton 
„ Kelly . 
„ Verner . 


• • 

• • 




w. 
w. 
w. 


14th Regiment. 


Lieutenant Bruere, a vo 


lunteer 


K. 


55 


Ensign Haskett . . 


■ • 


• 


w. 


18th Regiment. 


Lieutenant Richardson 


• 


• 


w. 


22d Regiment. 


Lieutenant-colonel Abei 


'crombie W. 


23d Regiment. 

55 


Captain Blakeney . 
Lieutenant Cockran 


. • 


• 
• 


w. 
w. 


n^ 


Beckwith 


• • 


• 


w. 



46 





BUNKER HILL. 




23d Eegiment. 


Lieutenant Lenthall 


. . W. 


35tli Regiment. 


Captain Lyon .... 


. . W. 


5J 


,, Drew . . . 


. . w. 


)» 


Lieutenant Bard . . . 


. . K. 


5> 


„ Massey . . 


. . W. 


1? 


,, Campbel 


. . w. 


88th Regiment. 


Major Bruce .... 


. . w. 


u 


Captain Boyd. . . . 


. . w. 


?5 


,, Coker . . . 


. . w. 


>) 


Lieutenant Button . . 


. . K. 


» 


„ Christie . . 


. W. 


» 


5, House 


. . w. 


5) 


„ Myers . . 


. w. 


5? 


Quarter-master Mitchell 


. w. 


5' 


Eusign Serjeant . . . 


. . w. 


43d Regiment. • 


Major Spendlove . . . 


. w. 


)? 


Captain Mackenzie . . 


. . K. 


59 


Lieutenant Robertson . . 


. W. 


59 


„ Dalrymple . 


. W. 


47tli Regiment. 


Major Smelt 


. W. 


15 


Captain England . . . 


. W. 


55 


„ Craigg . . . . 


. W. 


55 


„ AUcock . . . . 


. w. 


55 


Lieutenant Gold . . . . 


. K. 


55 


„ Hilliard . . 


. . K. 


55 


„ Hilier . . . 


. K. 


59 


„ England . . 


. AY. 


52d Regiment. 


Major Williams . . . . 


. K. 


95 


Captaiu Addison . . . 


. K. 


55 


„ Davidson . . . 


. K. 


59 


,, Smith . . . . 


. K. 


55 


„ Nelson . . . . 


. \V. 


»» 


Lieutenant Higgins . . . 


. K. 


55 


„ Crawford . 


. W. 


55 


„ Thompson . . 


. W. 


55 


Ensign Chetwynd . . . 


. W. 


J» 


„ Grame . . . . 


. W. 



claeke's naeeative. 



47 



59th Regiment. 


63d Regiment. 


63d Regiment. 


5» 


65th Regiment. 


■)•> 


ti 


?5 


?i 


5' 


67th Regiment. 



Lieutenant Haynes 
Captain Horsford 
Captain Foillett . 
Lieutenant Dalrymple 
Major Butler . . 
Captain Hudson . 
„ Sinclair . 
Lieutenant Pexton 

„ Smith 

,, Hales 
Captain Sherwin, aide-de-camp 
to Major-general Howe . . 



W. 

W. 

W. 

K. 

W. 

K. 

W. 

W. 

W. 

W. 

K. 



MARINES. 



Marines. Major Pitcairn K. 

„ Captain Campbel K. 

.- Ellis K^ 

,, „ Chudleigh W. 

„ „ Logan ...:... W. 

,, ,, Averne . . . .' . • • W- 

„ Capt.-lieutenant and Adj. Johnson . W. 

„ First Lieutenant Finnie K. 

Shea K. 

„ „ Gardner . . . . K. 

J, „ Brisbane .... W. 

„ „ Piteairn . . . . W. 

„ Second Lieutenant Dyer . . . . W. 

„ Engineer Page : . W. 

Artillery. Captain Limoine W. 

„ „ Huddleston W. 

„ Lieutenant Shutvvorth . . . • . • W. 

' ,, Campbell W. 



48 



BUNKER HILL. 

Field officers killed 3 

,, ,, wounded 4 

Captains killed 9 

,, wounded 25 

Subalterns killed ll 

„ wounded 40 

Total of officers 92 

Non-commissioned officers ) Killed . . . 200 
and private men ( Wounded . . 749 



Total of officers and men 1041 



REGIMENTS IN" THE FIELD OF BATTLE OX THE 17th OF 

JUNE, 1775. 

Fifth, Fifty-second, 

Thirty-eiglith, First battalion of marines, 

Forty-third, Thirteen companies of grenadiers, 

Forty-seventh, Thirteen companies of light-infantry. 

Besides these regiments which are now in Boston, there are 
only two more in all America, — the 7th, or Royal English 
Fusileers, and the 8th. 

As it is very uncommon that such a great number of officers 
should be killed and wounded more than in proportion to the 
number of private men : the following discovery seems to 
account for it. 

Before the intrenchments were forced, a man, whom the 
Americans called a marksman, or rifleman, was seen standing 
upon something near three feet higher than the rest of the 
troops, as their hats were not visible. This man had no sooner 
discharged one musket, than another was handed to him, and 
continued firing in that manner for ten or twelve minutes. And 
in that small space of time, by their handing to him fresh 
loaded muskets, it is supposed that he could not kill or wound 



claeke's nareative. 49 

lass than twenty officers ; for it was at them particularly that 
he directed his aim, as was afterwards confirmed by the prison- 
ers. But lie soon paid his tribute, for, upon being noticed, he 
was killed by the grenadiers of the Royal Welsh Fusileers. 

Another remarkable circumstance of the heat of this action 
is, that all the grenadiers of the 4th, or King's Own, regiment 
were killed or wounded, except four ; and of tlie grenadiers, 
also of the 23d, or Royal Welsh Fusileers, only three remained, 
who were not either killed or wounded. The number of men 
in each company, if complete, should be thirty-nine. ,This dis- 
proportion also is very great, as, from calculations of most 
pitched battles, the proportion of the number of killed a'nd 
wounded is only every eighth man. 

As soon as the news of the battle being over reached Bos- 
ton, those persons who style themselves friends to government 
instantly sent out every sort of carriage they had, as coaches, 
chariots, single-horse chaises, and even hand-barrows, to the 
water-side, to assist in bringing to Boston the wounded and 
killed officers and soldiers to their respective homes ; likewise 
all the physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries of Boston in- 
stantly attended the wounded officers, and gave them every 
assistance in their power. 

Then followed a melancholy scene of several carriages, with 
the dead and dying officers ; in the first of which was Major 
Williams bleeding and dying, and three dead captains of the 
52d regiment ; but he lived till the next morning. 

The second contained four dead officers, then another with 
wounded officers ; and this scene continued until Sunday morn- 
ing, before all the wounded private men could be brought to 
Boston. 

Those soldiers who fell in the field were instantly buried 
there ; and on Monday morning all the dead officers were 
decently buried in Boston, in a private manner, in the different 
churches and church-yards there. Lieutenant-colonel Aber- 
crombie and Major Pitcairn were buried in the King's Chapel. 

During the engagement, a captain of marines, who had been 
in several, remarked to Major Pitcairn that of all the actions 
he had been in, this was the hottest : first, from the burning of 

7 



50 BUNKER HILL. 

the houses in Charlestown ; next, the heat of the day ; and, 
thirdly, from the heat of the enemy's fire. The Major an- 
swered him that soldiers should inure themselves to all manner 
of hardships, not to regard either heat or cold ; " for my part, 
at present (says he), I have enough to do to mind my duty, 
which I shall do to the utmost of my power." Soon after, 
they were both of them shot through the body, and died in- 
stantly. 

A report having prevailed that Doctor Warren was not 
killed, I think it necessary to contradict it, as I saw a soldier, 
after the Doctor was wounded and lying in the trenches, going 
to'run him through the body with his bayonet ; on which the 
Doctor desired he would not kill him, for he was much wounded, 
and could not live a great while longer ; on which the soldier 
swore that he would, for that he had done more mischief than 
any one else ; and immediately run him through the body. 

The Doctor's dress was a light-colored coat, with a white 
satin waistcoat laced with silver, and white breeches, with silver 
loops, which I saw the soldier soon after strip off his body. 

He was supposed to be the commander of the American 
army that day ; for General Putnam was about three miles 
distance, and formed an ambuscade with about three thousand 
men. 

As it was imagined that the Americans would give ^grcat 
encouragement to the king's troops to induce them to desert, 
by offering them lands to cultivate, it had its effect upon some, 
as upwards of one hundred of the 18th regiment, or Royal 
Irish, deserted, and are still with them ; two o.r three of these 
indeed returned to the regiment, as the Americans had not 
performed their agreement. 

A soldier, also, of the 4th regiment came to his captain and 
told him that an offer was made him of ten dollars and a new 
suit of clothes, on condition of his deserting ; that, if he ap- 
proved of it, he would take the money, go as a spy, and at a 
short but convenient opportunity would return again to the 
regiment, and inform him how he was treated. The captain 
approved of the soldier's plan, and consented. The soldier 
staid about a week with them, but had his money and clothes 



CLAEKe's NAPvEATIVE. 51 

taken from him, and put to hard labor, instead of other encour- 
agement. 

The quartermaster-sergeant of the 38th regiment went off 
with about forty pounds of his captain's money, and has been 
appointed a lieutenant-colonel in their service, and is one of 
the most active men which they have. 

A corporal from the marines, on board the " Lively " man- 
of-war, also deserted, and has been appointed captain and 
adjutant. 

Desertion, however, has now taken its leave ; for since the 
Americans came to a resolution, on the 19th of April last, 
to abridge the king's troops from fresh provisions from the 
country, the soldiers are so exasperated against them, that 
not one attempts to desert ; nor does soldier or sailor think 
of it now. 

A remarkable instance of benevolence and humanity was 
shown by General Gage's lady, the day after the action, which 
ought never to be forgotten. She sent all her fowls, fish, and 
what little fresh meat she had in the house, to the wounded 
officers, scarcely leaving a sufficiency for herself and the Gen- 
eral. This is not all : her goodness and charity to the soldiers' 
wives and children have gained her immortal honor, which 
she very justly merits. As a general benevolence for the army 
is very characteristic of the English ladies, I hope they will fol- 
low General Gage's lady's most amiable example. Vv ithin this 
month are expected home some hundreds of poor unfortunate 
soldiers and their families from Boston, some with one leg, 
others with one arm, some without either leg or arm. When 
you see any of these men, consider what they have suffered ; 
if it were possil)le, it would draw tears from iron and steel. 

On my arrival in London, I heard almost everybody declare 
their surprise that Earl Percy's name should not be mentioned 
by Lieutenant-general Gage. With what propriety could he 
introduce the name of any officer, however distinguished his 
rank might be, if he was not in the action ? I shall therefore 
explain the reason why, although his regiment was in the 
action, he could not with propriety charge at the head of it. 

On the arrival at Boston of the three generals lately sent 



DZ BUNKER HILL. 

out in the " Cerberus " man-of-war, — Major-general Howe, 
Major-general Clinton, Major-general Burgoyne, — the army, 
according to the military establishment, was divided into three 
brigades, under each of their respective commanders. Every 
brigade has a brigadier-general, but whose rank only exists 
while upon service. 

Under Major-general Howe was Colonel Pigot. 

„ „ Clinton, Colonel Earl Percy. 

,, „ Burgoyne, Colonel Jones. 

Brigadier-general Earl Percy deserves the greatest enco- 
miums that is possible for pen to write in his praise. His 
unbounded generosity and general benevolence exceed all I 
ever saw. When one considers the noble race of ancestors 
from whence he is descended, I cannot be at a loss to account 
for his noble and princely spirit, which causes him to be 
esteemed by his officers and adored by his men, as he makes 
it his perpetual study to do all the good possible to everybody. 



A LIST OF THE MEN-OF-WAP. NOW AT BOSTON", WHERE STATIONED, 
AND THE NL^ilBER OF GUNS ON BOARD EACH SHIP. 

The " Preston," of 50 guns, Admiral Graves, Captain Robin- 
Bon, near Boston. 

The " Somerset," of 70 guns. Captain Le Cras, between 
Boston and Charlestown. 

The " Lively," of 20 guns. Captain Bishop, between the 
islands, at the entrance of the harbor. 

The " Glasgow," of 20 guns, Captain Howe, at the upper 
end of the river, between Boston and Charlestown. 

The "Falcon," sloop, of 16 guns. Captain Linzee, at the 
mouth of Cape Cod Bay. 

The " Boyne," of 70 guns, Captain Hartwell, near the 
castle, about two leagues from Boston. 

With several schooners and armed ships, to examine all 
ships going in and out. 

These ships, from the natural situation of Boston, are a very 
great defence to the town ; nor can it be annoyed by the 



Clarke's naekative. 53 

Americans, without a superior naval force; they, liowever, had 
the hardiness, on Sunday, the 28th of May, wliilst the chaplain 
on board the " Somerset " was at prayers, to come down to the 
shore from William's Island, and fired several musket shots, 
which hit the ship, but did no mischief. The compliment was 
returned by a discharge of grape-shot, but, they believe, with- 
out any effect, as none were seen to drop ; and they immedi- 
ately made a precipitate retreat, but in sight of us set William's 
house on fire. 

A most horrid plot, also, was discovered of their intending to 
massacre all the officers in Boston in one night. The officers 
being quartered in private lodgings, an alarm was to be given 
in the night, and as each officer was coming out of the street- 
door, he was to be assassinated ; but happily the affair was 
discovered before it was put in execution. A boy, seen swim- 
ming aci'oss the river between Boston and Charlestown, gave 
a suspicion he was carrying some intelligence ; he was accord- 
ingly taken up and examined, when, after some time, a letter 
was found in his stocking-foot, which led to the discovery. 

As everybody is anxious for the fate of the town of Boston, 
on account of the king's troops being in it, and their opinions 
being very various in regard to the possibility of its holding 
out against the American army, an account of its situation, 
strength, &c., may not be improper, as from this account the 
public may form a better judgment of it. 

Boston is the capital of New England ; lies in long. 11° 5' 
W., lat. 42° 2i' N. ; and although London is in lat. Sl'^ 30' N., 
yet the winters are much severer there than at London, and the 
harbor is generally frozen up ; the summers, also, are hotter. 

It is situated on a peninsula, at the bottom of a fine bay, and 
is joined to the continent by a neck of land, which forms a road 
near one mile in length, which has lately been fortified in a 
very strong manner with redoubts, chevaux de frize, and a 
large number of cannon. This is the only avenue to the town 
on the land side. 

The town contains between four and five thousand houses, 
and about twenty thousand inhabitants ; but near two-thirds of 



54 BUNKER HILL. 

these are supposed to have quitted it, and gone to other parts 
of America, or joined their army ; and most of those who are 
left profess themselves steady friends to government. 

The laws relating to the poor are upon such a plan that 
there are no beggars in any part of America. 

The account of the Scotch soldier being killed by his brother 
at Charlestown, as mentioned in the " Gazetteer" of the 7th of 
August, I rather think has been manufactured here by some 
news-collector, as I never heard the least account of it whilst 
at Boston. 

About the harbor the town forms the shape of a crescent, 
and the country rising gradually behind it, affords a very agree- 
able prospect. It is surrounded by a number of islands, on one 
of which, at about a league distance, is built a castle to com- 
mand the entrance of the harbor, and is very well fortified. 

The entrance into the harbor is not wide enough for above 
three sail at a time, but is capable of containing above five 
hundred sail. 

A pier has been built at the bottom of the bay, near seven 
hundred yards long, on the north of which is built a row of 
warehouses for the use of the merchants ; and the water is so 
very deep that they can conveniently unload without the help 
of boats. 

The streets are very commodious and large, particularly that 
which extends from the town-house to the pier. 

Across Charles River, directly opposite Boston, Charlestown 
is situated on a peninsula, which contained about three hundred 
houses, a church, and some public buildings. 

A ferry is established across the river, which is about two 
hundred yards wide, for the ready communication between the 
two towns. 

The only possible method of annoying Boston was from this 
quarter ; but since Lieutenant-general Gage has been in pos- 
session of it, he has been fortifying it very strongly towards the 
peninsula ; and whilst he keeps possession of it, Boston cannot 
be set on fire except by those on the inside of it. 

The American army have also begun to fortify a hill at a small 
distance, called Prospect Hill. At present they have not been 



clakke's naerative. 55 

uniformly clothed, but both officers and soldiers wore their own 
clothes ; nor did I see any colors to their regiments on the day 
of action. Their firelocks are very long, some near seven feet ; 
and they had fifes and drums. Their men are in general very 
robust, and larger than the English. 

In this situation, by the latest accounts, are the two armies ; 
but if any material occurrences happen, the author, having 
settled a correspondence at Boston, will give the public a 
further account of thcra, and would take it as a very particular 
obligation to be informed of any by a line, directed for him at 
Mr. Millan's, bookseller, at Whitehall. 

As thirty-six years of the author's life have been spent in the 
service of his late and present Majesty, he hopes that the indul- 
gent public and the curious critic will therefore look upon him 
as a soldier, not as a writer, and excuse any incorrectness in his 
language, or defect of style, as what he has aimed at has only 
been to give a plain narrative of real facts ; if he gives satisfac- 
tion in that, he will think himself completely happy. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

Having promised the public to communicate any intelligence 
that I might receive from America, I have the pleasure of pre- 
senting them with extracts from three letters just received : 
two from Boston, the other from Savannah, in Georgia ; the last 
of which shows how fast the spirit of opposition to government 
is travelling through the whole continent of America, as now 
the two Floridas only are wanting to complete the whole conti- 
nent, from Boston to the south being engaged. 

Boston, July 18, 1775. 

Every thing here at present is quiet ; and it is thought by 
almost everybody that each side will remain on the defensive 
during the remainder of the summer, in order to see what 
pacific negotiations may produce during the winter, and par- 
ticularly to wait the decision of the British Parliament. 

The Americans still continue to throw up fortifications at a 
small distance from Bunker's Hill, to prevent the regulars 
from advancing on that side. 



56 BUNKER HILL. 

It has been reported that Lieutenant-general Gage and 
Admiral Graves are ordered home ; but you may depeud upon 
it, that there is not the least foundation -for §uch a report ; 
however, Major-general Burgoyne is certainly going to England 
very soon. 

The following anecdote of British valor in a grenadier of 
the God regiment I am confident will give you pleasure : — 

Captain Horsford having been wounded, and Lieutenant 
Dalrymple killed, a Serjeant of the grenadiers told the private 
men. You now see, my lads, that our brave captain is greatly 
wounded, and the lieutenant killed ; now, I have the honor to 
command you ; therefore let us get into their trenches as fast 
as possibly we can, for we must either conquer or die. The 
Serjeant upon this, and the few men whom he had left, were 
the first who entered the redoubt of the provincial army. 
Lieutenant-general Gage, for this brave behavior, has recom- 
mended him to his Majesty ; and it is thought that his Majesty 
will honor the Serjeant with a commission in one of the regi- 
ments here. 

Boston, July 23, 1775, 

A detachment from the provincial army has very lately made 
a descent on Long Island, carried off all the cattle, and burnt 
about sixty houses. They also destroyed the light-house at 
the entrance of the harbor, which will prove of great detri- 
ment to the shipping. 

As fresh provisions and vegetables have lately been so very 
scarce, it has had a bad effect on the health of the inhabitants ; 
and they already feel it, by beginning to be afflicted with the 
scurvy. This has induced many of the best families to think 
of quitting, and they are preparing to sail for England. 

Although the American army does not seem to be disposed 
for acting offensively this campaign, yet they are taking every 
step necessary for making a vigorous defence against the next. 

r Savannah, Georgia, June 10, 1775. 

This place is so involved in the American disputes that I 
am afraid it will be ruined. A number of mad-headod fellows 



Clarke's narrative. 57 

(who call themselves Sons of Liberty), headed by a merchant 
or two of this place, two nights before the king's birthday, 
tumbled the cannons from the battery down the bank of the 
river, that they might not fire on that day, and spiked up the 
touch-holes of every one of them ; and because some captains 
of vessels, with their men, and other well-affected gentlemen of 
the town, witli indefatigable pains, and after working the 
whole night, got them up again, tliey had the assurance to go 
to some and write to others to leave the province in seven 
days. Next Tuesday the time expires, and they seem deter- 
mined to compel them to go ; but we are resolved to oppose 
them with all our power. 

They even went to a house on Monday, when the governor 
and council were dining together, and, a large body of them 
having assembled, set up what they call a Liberty-Tree, with a 
white flag, under which they discharged forty-five guns, and 
drank success to the American arms. You may be sure I was 
not to be idle at seeing such proceedings, and, being a little 
elevated with drinking his Majesty's health, got into the scuffle, 
lost my hat and wig, and in return brought away a black eye, 
a swelled lip, and lost a little of the bark of my nose. 

The country people are flocking in to their assistance ; but 
those who intend to support the governor in opposing their un- 
lawful attempts are to meet him and the council to-morrow, to 
concert methods for opposing them ; and I assure you I intend 
to make one at the meeting ; and our number will be nearly 
equal, it is imagined. 

OFFICERS DEAD OF THEIR WOUNDS. 

Captain Averne, of the marines. 
Captain Lyon, of the 35th regiment. 
Lieutenant Thompson, of the 52d regiment. 
Major Spendlove, of the 4od regiment. 
Lieutenant Yerner, of the 10th regiment. 



58 



BUNKER HILL. 



PROMOTIONS IN AMERICA SINCE JUNE 17, 1775. 



Regiment. 










4th. 


Halcott, Lieutenant . 


. vice 


Rooke 


Preferred 


5? 


Fish, Quartermaster . 


55 


Rooke 




?5 


Butler, Lieutenant . .. 


55 


Knight . 


Killed. 


H 


Kemble, Ensign . . 


55 


Butler 




5th. 


Smith, Captain . . 


55 


Downes . 


Deceased 


5? 


Baker, Captain-lieutenan 


t 5, 


Smith 




» 


Minchin, Lieutenant . 


55 


Baker 




it 


England, Ensign . 


" 


Minchin 




5? 


Charlton, Lieutenant . 


55 


Jackson . 


Deceased 


14th. 


Browne, Lieutenant . . 


55 


Bruere 


Killed. 


59 


Grant, Ensign . . . 


55 


Browne 




22d. 


Campbell, Lieutenant-col 


55 


Abercromljy Deceased 


55 


French, Major . . . , 


55 


Campbell 




55 


Handfield, Captain 


55 


French 




55 


Fenner, Captain-lieut. 


55 


Handfield 




55 


Forter, Ensign . . . 


55 


French 




35th. 


Ross, Lieutenant . . . 


55 


Pringle . 


Deceased 


55 


Madden, Ensign . . 


55 


Ross 




55 


Lamb, Lieutenant . 


55 


Bard . . 


Killed. 


55 


Shaw, Ensign . 


55 


Lamb 




38th. 


Sargent, Lieutenant . 


55 


Button . 


Killed. 


55 


Dorcus, Ensign 


55 


Sargent 




55 


Moncriefife, Ensign . . 


55 


Halcot 


Preferred 


43d. 


Dawson, Lieutenant . 


55 


Hull . . 


Deceased. 


55 


Rivers, Ensign . . . 


55 


Dawson 




47th. 


Poe, Lieutenant . . . 


55 


Gold . . 


Deceased. 


55 


Bunbury, Ensign, . 


55 


Poe 




55 


Baldwin, Lieutenant . 


55 


Hilliard . 


Killed. 


55 


Dowling, Ensign . . 


55 


Baldwin 




52d. 


Humphreys, Major 


55 


Williams . 


Killed. 


55 


Neilson, Captain . . 


55 


Humphreys 


1 


55 


Crawford, Captain . 


55 


Addison . 


Killed. 


55 


Thompson, Captain . 


55 


Davison 


5' 


>5 


Rooke, Captain . . 


55 


Smith 


55 


J5 


Mackilwaine, Capt-lieut. 


55 


Neilson 





CLARKE S NARRATIVE. 



59 



Regiment. 










52d. 


Hunter, Lieutenant . 


. vice Mackilwaine. 


» 


Chetwynd, Lieutenant 


?) 


Crawfurd. 




» 


Fuge, Lieutenant . . 


55 


Thompson. 




)> 


Graeme, Lieutenant . 


55 


Higgins . 


Deceased 


?» 


Harrison, Ensign . 


55 


Hunter. 




55 


Yans, Ensign . . . 


55 


Chetwynd. 




)) 


Brookes, Ensign . . 


55 


Fuge. 




5) 


. Mackay, Adjutant 


55 


Graeme. 




59th. 


Gordon, Quartermaster 


55 


Owen . . 


Deceased 


63d. 


Roberts, Lieutenant . 


55 


Dalrymple 


Killed. 


)» 


Drury, Ensign . . . 


55 


Roberts. 




65th. 


Watson, Captain . . 


55 


Hudson . 


Killed. 


55 


Baylie, Lieutenant 


55 


Watson. 




>J 


Hardy, Ensign . . . 

MARIN] 


55 

2S. 


Baylie. 






Major Chudleigh . . 


vice 


Pitcairn. 






„ Souter . . . . 


55 


Short. 






Captain Lindsay . . 


55 


Chudleigh. 






„ A. Walker . . 


55 


Souter. 






„ Eoss . . . .. 


55 


Campbell. 






,, D. Johnston 


55 


Ellis. 




Capt.-lieut. J. Adair . . . 


55 


Lindsay. 






„ Sir J. Dalston . 


55 


Walker. 






„ Hadden . . , 


55 


Ross. 






„ Pitcairn . . . 


55 


Johnston. 





First Lieutenants. 

Lewis Potter 

Robert Moore Cary 

Thos. Woodcock Ronald McDonald 
Tantum. 





Second Lieutenants. 


Bowman 


Dunbar 


Morrison 


Forester 


Moriarty 


Dexter 




Fortescue. 



60 BUNKER HILL. 



X. 

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.i 

BY A BEITISH SOLDIER. 



'T^HE seventeenth, at break of day, 
-*• The Yankees did surprise us 
"With the strong works they had thrown up, 
To burn the town and drive us. 

But soon we had an order come, 

An order to defeat them ; 
With three good flints and sixty rounds, 

Each soldier hoped to beat them. 

At noon we marched to the Long Wharf, 

Where boats were ready waiting ; 
With expedition we embarked, 

Our ships kept cannonading. 

And soon our boats all filled were. 

With officers and soldiers, 
With as good troops as England had, 

T' oppose who dared control us. 

And when our boats all filled were, 

We rowed in line of battle ; 
With grenadiers and infantry. 

While grape-sliot loud did rattle. ' 

1 This was written by a common soklier, who deserted to the Americang, 
and used to sing it in their camps. Benjam'n Russell, who repeated it to a 
friend, declared it perfectly accurate in its facts. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. Gl 

And when we landed on the shore, 

We formed in line together ; 
The Yankee bojs then manned their works, 

And swore we shouldn't come thither. 

Brave General Howe, on our right wing, 

Cried, " Boys, fight on like thunder ; 
You soon shall see these rebels flee, 

With great amaze and wonder." 

But such stout Whigs I never saw ; 

To hang them all I'd rather, 
Than mow their hay with musket balls 

And buck-shot mixed together. 

As for their king, that John Hancock, 

And Adams, if they're taken. 
Their heads for signs we'll raise aloft 

Upon their hill called Beacon. 

But our conductor, he got broke, 

For his misconduct, sure, sir ; 
The shot he sent for twelve-pound guns 

Were made for twenty-fours, sir. 



QQ. BUNKEE HILL. 



XI. 

THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.^ 



ly/TEANWHILE, the British forces held at bay, 
-'-'-^ Coop'd up in Boston, there inactive lay ; 
But reinforc'd and scorning dull repose, 
• They rouz'd t' attack their bold surrounding foes. 
Determin'd now their enemies t' offend, 
Beyond their former bounds their lines t' extend ; 
The chiefs resolv'd to seize on Bunker's hill, 
Which amply prov'd their military skill. 
Ere the detatchment to the place was sent. 
Their foes advanc'd to frustrate their intent; 
For under covert of the friendly night, 
Warren had seiz'd, and fortify'd that height ; 
The colonists must be dislodg'd from thence. 
Whatever was the dreadful consequence ; 
About two thousand were embark'd to go 
'Gainst the redoubt, and formidable foe ; 
The Lively's, Falcon's, Fame's, and Glasgow's roar, 
Cover'd their landing on the destin'd shore ; 
They form'd, and part towards the trenches sped ; 
Th' intrepid Howe those vet'ran forces led. 
The trenches, and redoubt, were trebly mann'd, 
Howe wisely made a necessary stand ; 
For reinforcements sent, soon as he view'd 
The well-arm'd, congregating multitude, 

^ This fragment is extracted from a poem entitled •' The American 
War," by George Cockings, printed in London, in 1781. It is not found 
in any American authority I have seen. 



THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 63 

We may conclude he thus the troops address'd 

(Whose flagging spirits seemed to be depress'd), 

March boldly on, your cause is just, and good, 

Th' insurgents have the parliament withstood, 

The legislature's acts have set aside, 

And have Great Britain's martial power defy'd ! 

The British chiefs began to pant for fame, 

Their souls were full of emulating flame ; 

Prepar'd t' advance to stem the growing tide 

Of thousands, rushing in on ev'ry side. 

Well pleas'd the gen'ral look'd around and saw 

The sympathetic manly martial glow : 

He ceas'd, and fac'd towards the strong redoubt, 

The troops sent forth a loud approving shout ; 

Not that exulting shout, when they advance 

'Gainst Spanish foes, or vet' ran troops of France ; 

But on they march'd, to give the dreadful storm ; 

And do whatever mortals could perform ! 

On Boston's shore, Burgoyne and Clinton stood 

And ev'ry movement of the forces view'd, 

Prepar'd to speed their timely aid to lend. 

Or from the spot destructive war to send ; 

They learn'd that Cl\arles-town must be wrapp'd in flame 

Or Britain's troops retire with tarnish'd fame. 

Another corps 'gainst Charles-town made a stand, 

With good provincial troops completely mann'd ; 

Here the firm animating Pigot fought, 

His warlike flame the gallant leaders caught ; 

The privates felt its force, from man to man, 

T' excel in fight an emulation ran. 

They steadily advanc'd, on conquest bent; 

A mortal show'r of lead incessant sent; 

Th' Americans likewise for conquest burn'd, 

And a like mortal show'r of lead return'd ; 

Maintain'd the town, and resolutely strove 

To harass Howe, as up the hill he drove ; 

But vex'd by bursting shells, and show'rs of balls, 

Or crushed by falling roofs or batter'd walls, 



64 BUNKER niLL. 

They felt discomfiture ; and now there came 

A flight of shells, fraught with destructive flame ! 

A scene ensu'd might fill the brave with dread ; 

From house to house the conflagration spread ; 

Ear-piercing shrieks ; heart-rending groans, and cries ; 

And terrifying shouts of vict'ry rise ; 

Amidst the desolating wild uproar, 

Forth rush'd th' inhabitants from ev'ry door ; 

To sex, nor age, no place an azyle yields ; 

In crouds they ran and sought th' adjacent fields ; 

Swifter than they the rapid bullets flew, 

And some ill-fated persons overthrew ; 

From hope excluded, in a wild dismay. 

The town untenable, the troops gave way ; 

To Bunker's Hill they fled, and in their rear, 

In close pursuit, the regulars drew near ; 

The trenches gain'd, they fac'd and made a stand. 

And intermix'd with Warren's chosen band ; 

Follow'd by Pigot with a martial frown, 

Wrapp'd in the vapour of the burning town. 

For battle warm'd with military skill, 
Howe led two thousand up the dang'rous hill. 
Where hostile parties under covert lay, 
T' impede his march, and strike with cold dismay, 
Now, Warren frowning rouz'd (erect he stood). 
From right to left, his must'ring forces view'd ; 
From man to man, he saw with great delight. 
Resentment flash'd, with readiness to fight ; 
Prepar'd to speak, the troops attentive hung 
On the persuasive accents of his tongue. 
Now, my brave friends, your innate worth display ; 
Great Britain's regulars advance this way ; 
Soldiers, and sailors, seem dispos'd around, 
To drive us from this advantageous ground ; 
Th' artiU'ry's landed on th' adjacent shore. 
Their naval thunder hath begun to roar ; 



THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 65 

On Bostons shore their batteries they ply ; 
From whence the show'rs of shells incessant fly ; 
Already Charles-town at their mercy lies ; 
The lambent flames and clouds of smoke arise ; 
That obstacle no longer proves a bar ; 
And this way comes the tumult of the war. 
Tho' Gage ten thousand well-train'd troops may boast, 
Join'd by the British fleet t' infest our coast ; 
Tho' 'mongst their chiefs (vet'rans in war renown'd), 
Howe, Clinton, Pigot and Burgoyne, are found ; 
Tho' Pitcairne's, Montcrief's, Abercrombie's name, 
Tho' gallant Percy's, swells the list of fame ; 
Tho' Sherwin, Addison,' Page, Bruce and Small, 
Attend on Howe, at honour's glorious call ; 
Tho' Williams, Campbell, Smith, with many more, 
Skilful in war now tread th' Atlantic shore ; 
Tho' steady Carleton widely spreads alarms, 
And Dun more our Virginian negroes arms'; 
I see no cause for fear my friends, since we 
Have Putnam, Pribble, Washington and Lee ; 
Arnold, Montgom'ry, Gates, Macpherson bold. 
Already in the list of fame inroll'd ; 
Lamb, Wooster, Schuyler, Hendricks, Cheeseman, go 
With these, in Canada, to fight the foe ; 
We've Woodford 'gainst Dunraore ; we've Gardner too, 
Who stands determin'd now within .your view; 
Ward, Prescott, Thomas, Heath, and more beside, 
Will stand the test whene'er in battle tried. 
I grant it may prove difficult to bar. 
The dreadful progress of Great Britain's war ! 
Whatever single state provokes her frown. 
Shrinks from her war ; and trembles for the crown ; 
United France and Spain have often felt 
The vengeance which her troops and tars have dealt ; 
But then, we sent her from our friendly shores. 
Provisions, timber, ships, and naval stores ; 
And in her quarrel (on the continent). 
We risk'd our lives ; our blood, and treasure spent ; 

9 



66 bujSTKer hill. 

Now, we are torn from her dismember'd side ; 

Twelve rising states in arms, her claims deny'd ; 

And her (European) neighb'ring states around, 

In private wish we were with conquest crown'd ; 

Will fraiidful smile on her, will us befriend ; 

And under covert their assistance lend. 

Like to th' invaders of our native land, 

We station'd here on the defence to stand ; 

From Wales, Great Britain and Hibernia sprung ; 

Our nerves for war, with equal vigor strung ; 

Our hearts as firm as theirs, our blood the same, 

Which swells our veins, and animates each frame ; 

Th' event with perseverance let us wait. 

Some wish'd for change, a terrible defeat ; 

Or providential stroke of mighty fate, 

May all our daring foes intimidate ; 

To Heav'n appealing, we for succour fly, 

And for success on Providence rely ; 

I doubt not but we shall experience yet, 

" Qui nos transtulit, semper sustinet." 

Altho' shou'd be by ruling Heav'n decreed, 

We phall at present unsuccessful bleed ; 

I forward look compos'd, and firmly trust, 

When we are mingled with our kindred dust, 

'Tis his decree who rules above the skies 

We shall in time a mighty empire rise. 

Should Providence ordain that we must fall. 

Let us with chearfulness obey the call ; 

In death, we shall some consolation have, 

We sink with honour to the silent grave ; 

They shouted loud, and made this short reply, 

We will be free, or will with honour die. 

Meanwhile, the British chiefs the troops inspir'd, 

^Examples rouz'd, and exhortations fir'd : 

And tho' short time in words they chose to waste. 

As up the hill they press'd with martial haste. 

Whilst they surmounted every hostile bar, 

Their deeds aloud proclaim'd them form'd for war. 



THE BATTLE OF BUXKER HILL. (57 

The charging regulars still nearer drew 
'Gainst front, and flank, and hot the battle grew ; 
Whilst Britain's ships of war maintained the fight, 
Directing all their fire 'gainst Bunker's height. 
On churches, spires and lofty domes around, 
On hills adjacent, and each rising ground. 
Thronging spectators, anxious thousands stood. 
And lost in grand suspense the battle view'd ; 
A scene of carnage ! obstinate the fight ! 
Tremendous, pleasing, horrid, glorious sight ! 

Gigantic terrors at the breastwork frown'd ; 
Solemn and slow, advancing o'er the ground ; 
The regulars drew near in awful form. 
Like Jove attended by a thunder-storm ; 
They mov'd majestic in a sulph'rous cloud ; 
Britain's brazen engines bellowing loud ; 
At the redoubt appear'd no sign of fear, 
They brought their brazen thunder well to bear ; 
On rough defence seem'd resolutely bent ; 
And down the hill a storm of iron sent : 
Long they continu'd thus, and either side, 
Howitzers, musquetry, and cannon ply'd, 
Whilst 'gainst great obstacles the Britons found. 
They strove t' advance, and gain superior ground ; 
Doubtless, each soldier thought he shou'd contend 
With an acquaintance, brother, or a friend ! 
At least 'gainst countrymen shou'd lift his hand. 
Sprung from Great Britain's or Hibernia's land ! 
Their resolution stagger'd when they saw 
The danger still more formidable grow ! 
And found they must themselves long time expose 
To the brisk fire of their well-sheltered foes ! 
From rifled tubes, to strike the chiefs intent, 
With deadly aim they leaden mischief sent ; 
Whilst in conjunction, their artilFry made 
'Gainst Britain's troops, a mortal cannonade ; 



68 BUNKEE HILL. 

Who, quite expos'd without the batt'ring aid, 

And cover of their cannon were dismay'd ; 

Thus circumstanc'd the troops had like t' have fled 

From the dread spot, where Abercrombie led ; 

Nor did they seem to make a firmer stand. 

Where Howe, th' intrepid Howe, bore chief command ! 

From flank to flank, his anxious looks he cast, 

From corps to corps with fearless haste he past ; 

Travers'd the line of hottest hostile fire ; 

And by example, strove to reinspire 

With resolution, those who seem'd dismay'd, 

Irresolute and ready to recede. 

Small, Sherwin, Page and Addison, were found. 

Where duty call'd,. and threat'ning danger frown'd ; 

Both exhortations and examples fail'd, 

A cooling tremor Britain's troops assail'd ! 

They halted in suspense, at length gave way ! 

E,egardless of the honour of the day ! 

When the provincial officers beheld 

The royal forces stagger'd and repell'd ; 

Elate with hope, almost with vict'ry erown'd ; 

They thus address'd their troops which stood around. 

They slack their fire ! and. seem'd to stand at gaze ! 

Like those whom thunder strikes with vast amaze ! 

Mark how they thin ! on ev'ry side they bleed ! 

Exert yourselves awhile and on them pour 

Of lead and iron mix'd a pond'rous show'r ; 

No time for recollection let them have, 

Convince them North Americans are brave. 

Meanwhile the British persevering chief. 
Whose dauntless soul was full of poignant grief ; 
Alone, and in the rear, retrod the ground ; 
Oft fac'd about, and grim defiance frown'd, 
(So lagg'd firm Ajax in the Grecian rear, 
And strove to banish base desponding fear.) 
Howe rais'd his voice in an upbraiding tone, 
Will Britons flee ! and leave their chief alone ! 



THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 69 

Can you outlive disgrace ? the brave disdain 

To purchase life by au ignoble stain ! 

Shall wond'ring nations now exulting hear 

The Trans-atlantics fiU'd our souls with fear ! 

Rally, return, and brisk your foes assail ; 

Your Britain's regulars, and must prevail. 

Reluctant, Abercrombie join'd the rout, 

Halt, halt, oft call'd aloud, and fac'd about ; 

Halt, halt, from chief to chief flew round ; 

Halt, said each officer, and stood his ground ; 

Oh ! shame ! they cry'd, that ever shou'd be said, 

Great Britain's vet'rans from militia fled ! 

And left their officers to make th' attack ! 

Whilst they ran off! or from the fight hung back, 

We, to the post of danger first lay claim ; 

We will stand foremost for each lev'lers aim ; 

We ask no more than that you'll boldly tread 

The path of honour, where you see us lead ; 

In British annals emulous to shine. 

They rang'd in front, a formidable line ; 

Rush'd on, 'midst blood, sweat, dust, and smoke, and flame ; 

And leaders in the truest sense became. 

Th' undaunted Pitcairne now their hopes reviv'd ; 

With him the gallant marine corps arriv'd : 

Ti)e fifty-second's grenadiers with these, 

Rush'd on the palm of victory to seize ; 

Tho' first Immanity their souls possest. 

And sentiments fraternal warm'd each breast. 

Which made them tardilv advance to fisht. 

And almost to commence inglorious flight ; 

When they beheld their chiefs and comrades fall, 

And heard each leader's animating call ; 

Saw the marines and Pitcairne passing by. 

They fac'd and form'd another charge to try ; 

Returning ardor banish'd chilling fear ; 

The chiefs led on ; and they brought up the rear; 

And now recover'd from their former dread, 

Over the wounded, dying and the dead, 



70 BUNKER HILL. 

They trod and stumbled with, with indignant speed ; 

And as they saw their groaning comrades bleed ; 

A thirst for vengeance and desire for fame, 

JFill'd every soul with emulating flame. 

When Warren saw them face about, and form, 

And onward rush to give another storm ; 

He stood alarm'd ; the consequence he fear'd ; 

Conceal'd his thoughts, and thus his forces chear'd ; 

Again recover'd from their cold dismay, 

The rully'd British vet'rans move this way ; 

At the last gasp their fainting courage lies ; 

The warlike glance forsakes their languid eyes ; 

Their new rekindling courage soon will fail, 

If you stand firm when they the lines assail ; 

Each face will like Medusa's front appear! 

And fill their wav'ring souls again with fear I 

From either party as they nearer drew. 

Destructive show'rs of balls alternate flew ; 

In ev'ry volley, death triumphant rode ; 

And thro' the ranks with wasting terror strode ; 

But for his most delicious morsels sought, 

Where Pigot, Howe, Warren, and Gardner fought ; 

Where Williams, Pitcairne, Abercrombie, turn'd, 

He feasted there and there the battle burn'd. 

When Pitcairne fell, his son advanc'd in view, 
Towards the spot with anxious ardor flew ; 
Tho' rage and love his steps accelerate. 
To guard his father's life he came too late ; 
Already, death had launch'd his mortal dart 
And lodg'd the barb in the bold vet'ran's heart ; 
Burning for vengeance and opprcss'd with grief, 
With filial care, he rais'd the wounded chief 
From blood and dust (as decency requir'd), 
And from the carnage of the field retir'd ; 
So stain'd with streams of warm paternal gore, 
Young Scipio from the field his father bore. 



THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 71 

Another son (in this unnat'ral strife) 

Was doom'd to see his parent robb'd of life ! 

Whilst rushing on elate, at glory's call, 

With grief imbitter'd by his father's fall, 

The gallant Addison suspended stood ; 

The prostrate dusty sanguin'd ruin view'd ; 

Too late, like Pitcairne's, came his filial aid ; 

With looks, where thoughts of vengeance were displayed, 

Like him (with sad regret, and tender care) 

He bore the lifeless body to the rear ; 

From mangling feet the cold remains to save, 

With warlike pomp committed to the grave. 

Howe, Roflen, Pigot press'd to closest fight 

Warren beheld a dread soul-harrowing sight ! 

Observ'd his troops preparing to give way ; 

And mark'd the growing symptoms of dismay ! 

Aloud he call'd, rouze and shake off your feai's ; 

Partners in fame, my friends, and volunteers ; 

Bring no disgrace on the provincial arms ; 

Have children, wives, and liberty no charms ! 

Your children, wives, and friends, around us wait, 

Wound not their souls by shameful base retreat ; 

Perhaps on us this day, my gallant friends, 

The fate of North America depends ; 

Wou'd you outlive the fight, and see your lands. 

And your effects, seiz'd by the victor's hands ? 

Slung to the quick and full of warlike fire ; 

We'll die they said, before we will retire ; 

They shouted loud and for the vict'ry burn'd ; 

Tlie charging regulars the shout return'd. 

Whilst both contending parties (in the strife) 
Struggled for victory, for fame, and life ; 
Clinton with circumspection ready stood, 
And a large British reinforcement view'd ; 
Who seem'd embarrass'd ; scarce knew where to speed 
With succour in the time of dang'rous need ; 



72 BUNKER HILL. 

Most nobly rouz'd, impatient of delay ; 
He gain'd the shore, and led the glorious way ; 
Instant toward the foe, their front they turn'd ; 
Each caught the flame and for the battle burn'd. 
So when Pelides saw the Grecians stand 
Irresolutely, on the Phrygian strand, 
He join'd his friends with animating glow, 
. RouzM, chear'd, and led them 'gainst th' exulting foe. 
Meanwhile, tlie first assailants, unsustain'd, 
'Midst dreadful carnage, had the summit gain'd 
Convinc'd they must a rapid effort make, 
Their honours, victory and lives at stake. 
Examples drew towards the hostile fence, 
With more than Ciceronian eloquence ; 
Come on ; come on ; the mounting leaders cry'd ; 
We come ; we come ; the regulars reply'd : 
O'er all impediments they dauntless bound 
With Gorgon fronts, and spread dismay around ; 
Confusion and dispersion soon ensu'd, 
Except where Warren and his party stood ; 
Pierce the provincials fought, and fearless bled, 
Where the great oratorial Warren led ; 
He fac'd grim danger with an heart elate ; 
At length, a rapid ball came wing'd with fate ; 
And cut til' intrepid rhetorician down. 
Scorning retreat, and panting for renown ; 
His potent language cou'd the mind controul ; 
Rekindle fainting courage in the soul ; 
Cou'd make the coolest troops with ardor glow ; 
And rush in storms of death upon the foe ; 
With him the spirit of the battle fled ; 
From right to left a consternation spread ; 
On ev'ry side the colonists gave ground ; 
The regulars indignant gather'd round ; 
O'er trenches, fences, and each palisade, 
A passage like an inundation made ; 
Bore all resistance down, gain'd the redoubt, 
And put the firm provincial troops to rout. 



THE BATTLE OF BUNKER* HILL. 73 

With conquest flusli'd, with hard-earii'd vict'ry crown'd, 

Brave Howe and Pigot now possess'd the ground, 

The rising ground from whence provincials fled ; 

And up the hill the gallant Clinton led 

A reinforcement, which was near at haiid, 

In hasty march from Charlestown's hostile strand ; 

Burgoyne observant stood, ready to speed, 

Where any shou'd a timely succour need ; 

And ev'ry soldier long'd at honours call 

To grace with dreadful pomp his comrade's fall ; 

Tho' for success all seemingly combin'd, 

With sage precaution Howe the chase declin'd ; 

With circumspection mov'd, and wou'd not dare, 

To hazard a defeat in Putnam's snare. 

From the redoubt the lines to Cambridge ran, 
Trench lay near trench, and man supported man; 
Each eminence was fortifiM around, 
And ambuscades possess'd the lower ground ; 
Here Putnam, Pribble, Ward, and Thomas stay'd 
To check pursuit, and pour in friendly aid ; 
Prescott and Heath were near with all their force, 
T' oppose the victors in their destin'd course. 
The diff' rent parties seemed resolv'd t' abide 
In each well chosen post they occupy'd ; 
Altho' their routed friends might help require, 
They wou'd not pass the line of naval fire, 
Whilst the provincials from their late defeat. 
Fil'd off, and strove to make a good retreat ; 
This to effect they must determin'd push. 
As if thro' death's expanded jaws to rush ! 
A victor foe threaten' d their broken rear ; 
Frigates and floating batteries lay near. 
Across their path, in front, and flank, to rake, 
A dreadful, desolating sweep to make ; 
And cut ofi" ev'ry hope of fresh supply, 
Tho' twenty thousand wcU-arm'd friends were nigh ! 

10 



74 BUNKER HILL. 



xn. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE ROYAL MARINES, 1775. 



THE following is an extract from the marine-battalion 
orders of the 20th of May, 1775 : — 
" The Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty having directed a reinforcement of marines to serve 
under Major Pitcairne in General Gage's army, consisting of 
two majors, ten captains, twenty-seven subalterns, two adju- 
tants, one surgeon, two assistant-surgeons, twenty-eight Ser- 
jeants, twenty-five corporals, twenty drummers, six hundred 
privates, the commanding officer deems it necessary, for the 
good of the service, to form the whole under his command 
into two battalions : — 

GRENADIERS. 

Officers in First Battalion. Officers in Secotid Battalion. 

Thomas Avarne, captain. George Logan. 

William Finney, 1st lieutenant. Alexander Brisbane. 
George Vevers, „ Francis Gardner. 

Fi7'st Company. 

Stawel Chudleigh, captain. Hon. John Maitland, captain. 
Richard Shea, 1st lieutenant. Jesse Adair, 1st lieut. '' 
Hewes, „ Roland Carter, „ 

Second Company. 

Stephen Ellis, captain. Charles Chandless, captain. 

James Robertson, 1st lieut. Fenton Griffiths, 1st lieutenant. 
P. D. Robertson, 2d „ Henry D'Oyley, 2d „ 



ORGANIZATIOIS" OF THE EOYAL MARINES. 75 

Third Company. 
Thomas Lindsay, captain. Tliomas Groves, captain. 

William Lycett, 1st lieut. John Hadden, 1st lieutenant. 

David Collins, 2d „ Titus Conyers, „ 

Fourth Company. 

William Forster, captain. Samuel Davys, captain. 

Wra. Graham, 1st lieutenant. Walter Nugent, 1st lieutenant. 
Isaac Potter, 2d „ Robert Carey, 2d „ 

Fifth Company. 

Robert Ross, captain. Edward Henvill, captain. 

Chas. Steward, 1st lieutenant. Thomas Biggs, 1st lieutenant. 
Jonas Matthews, 1st lieut. James Lewis, 2d „ 

Sixth Company. 

William Sabine, captain. George Elliott, captain. 

B. M'Donald, 2d lieutenant. Alex. M'Donald, 1st lieut. 
Henry Tantum, „ John France, „ 

Seventh Company. 

J. H. Branson, captain. Archer Walker, captain. 

Wm. Cresswell, 1st lieut. Jas. Andenson, 1st lieutenant. 

Thomas TroUope, 2d „ Robert Moore, 2d „ 

Eighth Company. 
John Percival, captain. John M'Fie, captain. 

Aaron Eustace, 1st lieutenant. Sir J. Dalston, Bart., 1st lieut. 
Thos. Woodcock, 2d „ Francis Dogherty, „ 

LIGHT INFANTRY. 

W. Souter, captain. Archibald Campbell, captain. 

W. Pitcairne, 1st lieutenant. John Dyer, 2d lieutenant. 
Philip Howe, 2d „ N. H. Nicholas, 2d lieutenant. 

Adjutants. 

John Waller, 1st lieutenant. John Fielding, 1st lieutenant. 

Quartermasters. 

J. Pitcairne, 1st lieutenant. Thomas Smith, 1st lieutenant. 



76 BUNKER HILL. 

Captain David Johnston, superintendent, adjutant, and 
deputy-paymaster to the second battalion. 

— — Hill, surgeon to the second battalion ; William Tervant 
and Silven, surgeon's mates. 

The following regulations for the payment of companies 
were notified in the battalion orders of the 3d of June : — 
" The Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne, 
of the 2d of March last, that the captain of marines com- 
manding companies on shore at Boston should pay their com- 
panies in the same manner as practised by the land forces, 
the captains or commanding officers of companies will receive 
from Captain Johnston, deputy-paymaster, one month's sub- 
sistence for the non-commissioned officers and private men of 
their respective companies, deducting Is. b^d. per week each 
for provisions and the usual stoppages, as directed by the Ad- 
miralty, viz : — 

8. d. 

For one Serjeant, per week 2 

„ „ corporal or drummer .... 1^ 

„ ,, private man 1 

Dollars to be taken at 4 8 

Captains are to give the deputy-paymaster complete monthly 
pay-rolls, accounting for the subsistence distributed to their 
companies, and specifying every particular casualty that has 
happened in each company during the preceding month, and 
to commence this day." 



Cambridge : Press of John Wilson & Son, 



